This factsheet is a general guide only. It is not legal advice. Call the Legal Helpline on 1300 366 424 or text using Legal Chat via lsc.sa.gov.au for confidential advice about your situation.
Age restrictions now apply to many social media platforms across Australia.
Facebook, Instagram, Kick, Reddit, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, Twitch, X and YouTube must take steps to prevent Australians under the age of 16 from having their own account.
Those under 16 will not get in trouble for using social media. Parents, carers and teachers will not be punished if children in their care see or use social media.
Because social media companies are legally required to restrict access to their platforms, they must take steps to check the age of their users. Always take care when sharing your personal information or identification online. Scammers may try to steal your identity or money by pretending to be a social media platform or offering you a fake ID.
Visit www.esafety.gov.au for the latest information about social media age restrictions and to access a range of resources.
Always think carefully before sharing information, photos or videos online.
Self-incrimination is when a person says or does something that links them to a crime. If the police learn about what you have said or done, it could be used as proof that you have broken the law. You may not even realise that what you are posting about is a crime.
It is now a crime to post photos and videos online to brag about or encourage criminal activity (known as posting and boasting).
This includes:
Posting and boasting is a serious crime with serious penalties including prison.
Police have broad powers to access information you post online, even if you are careful about your privacy settings.
Police may apply for a search warrant if they believe you have committed a crime. Many social media platforms have privacy rules that say that they will share information, images and videos you post if police have a search warrant.
A search warrant may also allow police to search your personal devices, including your phone and computer. If your device is pin or password-protected, you do not have to tell police the code unless the warrant requires this information.
Police may confiscate your devices to search them and it may take time to get them back.
Be wary of strangers sending you friend requests or seeking information about you. Check the privacy settings on all your accounts regularly.
Remember that pictures, posts and comments may still be available, even if you delete them or your account. People can save your photos or take screenshots of what you have posted online.
Never share your personal details (like your full name, date of birth, home address or school you attend) online or with people you do not know.
You may also be interested in our factsheets about Bullying at school and Pornography, sexual images and online safety.
May 2026
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