This report provides parent- and carer-based insights to inform eSafety’s implementation of the Social Media Minimum Age obligation in Australia, derived from two roundtable sessions. Participants involved in the consultation discussed the experiences of parents and carers across a wide range of child-rearing roles. 

The consultation was guided by four key focus areas identified by the eSafety Commissioner: 

1. eSafety’s implementation of the social media minimum age obligations
2. attitudes toward the use of age assurance technologies and processes
3. how the changes might impact how children and their parents currently use social media 
4. how to support children’s online safety and wellbeing through the changes. 

The report details the themes of the discussion in relation to each focus area. It synthesises discussion input into recommendations supported by the responses of expert participants.

Recommendations

• Tailor approaches to individual readiness 
• Address diverse needs across child populations 
• Build digital literacy before children access social media 
• Recognise children as active agents 
• Support beyond technical solutions. 

In summary, the consultation underscored the nuanced developmental realities of children and the importance of a holistic, evidence-informed approach to communicating and implementing social media minimum age restrictions.