Helping Your Family Navigate the New Social Media Delay

Why this change matters for young people and their relationships

Social media is more than entertainment for many teens. It’s a key way they:

• stay connected to friends
• express identity
• find humour and creativity
• feel part of a wider community.

For some young people, particularly those who are neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+, living rurally or feeling isolated at school, online spaces may be one of the few places where they feel accepted.

Losing access abruptly can trigger:

• worry about friendships changing
• fear of missing out
• frustration or resentment
• a sense of disconnection
• grief over losing a supportive space.

None of these reactions are signs of weakness. They’re understandable responses to a change they didn’t choose.

Start with calm, honest conversations

Young people don’t need a list of solutions straight away; they need to feel heard.

Helpful openers include:

• “What part of this feels hardest for you?”
• “How is this affecting your day at school?”
• “What are you most worried about right now?”

You don’t have to fix the emotion in the moment. Just acknowledging what they’re feeling helps maintain trust.

Expect strong feelings, and stay steady

In the first weeks, you may see:

• irritability
• boredom or restlessness
• disrupted sleep
• withdrawal
• anxiety about being left out.

These are normal reactions to a sudden change in routine and connection.

Rather than trying to talk them out of their feelings, simply name what you’re seeing:

• “This is a big adjustment – I can see why you’re upset.”
• “It’s okay to feel frustrated. We’ll work through this.”

Your calm presence is often more reassuring than any solution.

Support them to stay connected in realistic ways

It’s tempting to jump straight to alternative activities, but most teens won’t find that helpful. What matters is working out how they can keep their friendships going.

This might involve:

• using messaging apps that remain available
• moving group chats to approved platforms
• arranging more in-person catch-ups
• helping them stay involved in the interests and routines they already have
• pointing them toward safe, moderated youth spaces if needed.
• You don’t need to reinvent their social world – just help them adjust to the new contours of it.

Keep connection low-pressure at home

For many teenagers, connection doesn’t come through long talks or planned bonding activities. It happens in short, everyday moments.

That might look like:

• spending time in the same room without pressure to talk
• sharing a show, a snack or a short drive
• being available when they choose to open up
• showing interest in the things that matter to them.

These small points of contact can do more to maintain trust than any structured plan.

Navigating sibling differences

Many households will have one child who is still allowed on social media and another who isn’t. This can create tension.

You can support harmony by:

• being clear about why the rules differ
• avoiding comparisons like “your brother handles it better”
• acknowledging the unfairness without bending the rules
• giving each child dedicated attention so no one feels overlooked.
• You won’t be able to make the rules feel the same for everyone, but you can make sure each child feels heard and looked after.

Review your family’s digital habits

The transition can be a good moment to reflect on what’s already working at home and what could reduce stress.

You might consider:

• how devices are used across the household
• which habits feel healthy or overwhelming
• whether new routines could make daily life easier.

These conversations don’t need to be heavy. Small, predictable routines usually make the biggest difference.

Look out for young people who may struggle more

Some teenagers will feel this change more intensely – especially if online communities previously helped them feel safe or connected.

Watch for:

• ongoing sadness
• withdrawal from friends or activities
• persistent anxiety
• significant changes in sleep or appetite
• comments about feeling hopeless or disconnected.
• If these signs persist, it’s important to reach out for support early.

Young people can access:

• eSafety Commissioner
• headspace
• Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800)
• Lifeline (13 11 14)
• school wellbeing teams
• local youth services.

The eSafety Commissioner is an excellent resource for parents

You don’t have to navigate this alone

This is a major shift in the digital lives of young Australians. For some families, it will heighten stress and spark conflict. For others, it may bring up concerns about safety, autonomy or belonging.

You don’t need to have all the answers. What matters most is maintaining communication, staying steady, and helping your young person feel less alone as they adjust.

If your family needs support, we’re here to help.