From 10 December 2025, new Australian regulations require major social media platforms to prevent users under 16 from opening or maintaining accounts. These changes apply to popular platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, Threads, Twitch and others.
While these rules are directed at the platforms themselves, they will have flow-on effects for how community sporting organisations — including AFL Barwon clubs — communicate with junior players and families.
What’s Changing?
Under the new laws introduced by the Australian Government, social media companies will be responsible for ensuring children under 16 do not have active accounts. Importantly:
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Clubs, coaches, volunteers, parents or carers will not be penalised if a young person has previously held or used an account.
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Young people under 16 will still be able to view public content on most platforms, even without logging in.
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These changes do not alter existing child safeguarding or communication policies required by sporting organisations.
Why It Matters for AFL Barwon Clubs
Many clubs rely on social media as a primary communication tool for updates, events, team announcements, training changes and general club news. With some junior players no longer able to access platforms directly, clubs may need to reconsider how key information is delivered.
The new regulations may impact:
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Junior communication channels, especially where teams have relied on Facebook or Instagram groups.
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How clubs distribute news and event information to ensure all families, including those with children under 16, remain informed.
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Volunteer-run accounts, which must continue to be managed by individuals aged 16 and over.
Clubs may need to consider supplementary communication methods such as email newsletters, member portals, SMS tools, or parent-managed messaging groups.
What Clubs Can Do Now
AFL Barwon encourages all clubs to take proactive steps as the changes come into effect:
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Review how your club currently communicates with junior players and families.
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Identify any teams or age groups likely to be affected.
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Ensure all club information remains accessible through channels that do not require under-16s to log in.
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Update internal policies and team-manager guidance to reflect the new environment.
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Clearly communicate any changes to parents, carers, coaches and volunteers to ensure smooth transitions.
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Share links to resources provided by the eSafety Commissioner to help families understand the changes and manage their child’s online activity.
Supporting Safe and Inclusive Participation
These new rules are designed to provide greater protection for young people online, helping minimise exposure to harmful content, online abuse or unsafe interactions. For AFL Barwon, they also reinforce our commitment to fostering safe, child-friendly and inclusive environments across all clubs in our region.
AFL Barwon will continue working with clubs to ensure communication remains clear, accessible and compliant with emerging digital-safety standards.
Read more around the changes from the eSafetyCommissioner
