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What could a social media ban for under-16s mean for children of separated parents?

From 10 December 2025, Australia introduced a ban on social media for children under 16 years old and the UK may be following suit.

Similar restrictions have been discussed in the House of Lords and concerns have been raised about the impact social media has on the mental health and well-being of young users.

While this brings much-needed protection for children, it could create unexpected challenges for families where parents live apart and rely on digital communication to maintain relationships.

What is proposed in the social media ban?

The proposed restrictions would prevent children under 16 years old from using major social media platforms, such as Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

The ban is meant to reduce the amount of harmful content and cyberbullying children are exposed to online.

However, social media is not always used negatively and it is increasingly used as the main form of contact for children and their parents, especially if they do not live together.

Limiting this access could unintentionally put a strain on parents’ communication with their children and affect their relationships.

How can this impact children’s relationships with their parents?

Many children of separated parents use indirect contact, such as messaging or video calls, to stay connected with one another.

Child Arrangements Orders (CAOs) often include provisions for virtual contact through social media or messaging apps, such as WhatsApp.

This allows children to maintain regular communication with a parent they do not live with or cannot have direct contact with.

The proposed social media ban could make it harder for children to communicate freely with their parents and could impact their emotional well-being, especially if they are newly adjusting to their parents’ separation.

How would a social media ban affect contact agreements?

Social media restrictions may require families to rethink their existing contact agreements.

Alternative means of communication, such as phone calls, video chats through approved platforms, emails or even letters, may need to be incorporated into a CAO.

Parents will need to make sure that indirect contact remains consistent and within their child’s best interests, even if their communication channels are limited.

How can we support you if a social media ban comes into effect?

The Centre for Social Justice reported that 40 per cent of children under 13 have a social media profile despite there being age limits and restrictions.

Access to devices and social media is becoming increasingly easier for children and this can put them at risk of viewing harmful content.

If these restrictions are put in place, our Family Law team can help review your contact agreements and assess an alternative communication with your child.

Reducing children’s access to social media and moving communication onto more protected sites can be beneficial for your child’s well-being and still allow them to maintain a relationship with their parents.

If parents cannot reach an agreement, courts can issue clear directions on alternative contact methods that will comply with any social media limitations.

Early legal advice and staying informed on the changes can help make sure your children enjoy safe and consistent communication with their parents.

If you want to learn more about contact agreements for children, contact our Family Law team today.

Stuart Daniel

Director – Head of Family Department

I qualified as a Solicitor in 2006 and now specialise in divorce, financial settlements, childcare arrangements and Pre Nuptial Agreements. I have many years’ experience as a private family lawyer having worked with two other local firms before returning to Mander Hadley, where I first undertook work experience during my university studies.