What do age restrictions mean for sport organisations?

Social media age restrictions have now come into play. This means that age-restricted social media platforms must prevent Australians under 16 from having an account. 

Since the Social Media Minimum Age legislation came into effect in December, major social media platforms have removed access to about 4.7 million accounts identified as belonging to children under 16. 

The eSafety website maintains a list of all platforms that are age-restricted.

In sport, social media is widely used to connect with members, keep audiences informed, and share news. 

Find out how the restrictions may affect your sporting community, review our FAQs, and get tips to manage the change.

Share the message 

Safer Internet Day is coming up on Tuesday 10 February 2026 — a global day dedicated to promoting safer and more positive online experiences. 

It’s a great opportunity to connect with your sporting community and share a reminder about respectful and positive online behaviour. 

Visit the Safer Internet Day hub to download resources, including a social media tile to help you share the message with this suggested copy: 

We’re proud to support @eSafetyOffice on Safer Internet Day. Respect, kindness and safety is part of our sport, in-person and online. #SID2026  

It’s easy for members of your sport community to express their opinions or frustrations online, whether on an official sporting platform, their personal accounts, or on other digital spaces. 

Negative or abusive content can be viewed by thousands of people within hours. This can have a hugely damaging impact on all involved.

How can sport organisations act on this? 

Sport policies and practices for dealing with misconduct should apply both in-person and online.   

Be prepared by taking the following steps:

• REVIEW – ensure current policies equally address in-person and online conduct. 
• TAKE ACTION - don't ignore poor online behaviour. 
• RESPOND QUICKLY - online content spreads rapidly.  
• COMMUNICATE - outline expected conduct (e.g. at team meetings, in newsletters, or eLearning). 
• SUPPORT – provide guidance for members involved in online misconduct as it can be distressing.