From December 10, big changes are coming for anyone in Australia under 16. Major social platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, X (Twitter), Facebook, Threads, Reddit and Kick will no longer be accessible.

That’s a huge shift. And it’s completely normal to feel stressed, worried, or even a bit lost about what happens next. Socials are more than apps; they’re places you connect with friends, discover queer joy, find community, and express who you are.

Whatever you’re feeling right now is valid. And you’re not facing this alone. Minus18 is with you.

We’ll keep showing up, building spaces, and making sure LGBTQIA+ young people stay connected. Especially if you’re under 16, and suddenly disconnected from the places you spend your online time.

So, What’s Happening on December 10?

Under the new Social Media Ban, people under 16 won’t be able to keep using many major platforms. That means if you want to save memories, photos, videos or chats, now is the time to download your content before everything goes off-grid.

Here’s how to download your info:

• Instagram / Facebook / Threads: Settings & Activity → Accounts Centre → Download your information
• TikTok: Settings & Privacy → Account → Download your data
• Snapchat: Settings → My Data → Select data to include
• YouTube: Google Takeout → YouTube & YouTube Music → Create export
• Reddit: Settings → Account → Download data
• Kick: kicklet.app/vod-downloader → Paste VOD link → Download

It’s okay if this feels overwhelming. Lots of people are scrambling to figure out what to do — you’re not the only one.

You Still Deserve Connection – and We’re Making Sure You Have It

Losing access to the places you hang out online can feel isolating, but there are ways to stay connected with community, queer joy and support. Minus18 is here to make sure those spaces don’t disappear.

1. Join the Minus18 Newsletter (For Everyone, Including Under 16s!)

If social media disappears from your phone overnight, our newsletter becomes the best way to stay in the loop.

You’ll get:

• Updates about every Minus18 event
• Info on workshops, resources and new content
• Opportunities to get involved or share your voice

It’s free, safe, and built for you. You can join it here

2. Minus18 Discord — Now Open to Everyone!

This is big: the Minus18 youth Discord server is open to all young people, including those under 16. Make new friends, play games, share stories and hang out! Our Discord is a supportive community for ages 12 to 19, no matter if you are:

• Regional or rural
• Interstate
• Under 16 and locked out of your socials on December 10

It’s a moderated, supportive space to chat, make friends, share your interests and stay connected with your queer community - no matter where you live, if you’ve been to a Minus18 event before, or what apps disappear from your phone.

We’ve built this space for exactly this moment.

Request to Join Now

What You Can Do Next

A little planning now can make the whole transition easier:

• Save your content and memories
• Talk with friends about where you’ll stay connected
• Find alternative ways to get news, support and resources
• Keep showing up in spaces that make you feel seen

And if you need extra support, these services are always here for you: Kids Helpline / yourtown, QLife, Project Rockit, ReachOut Australia, headspace, Beyond Blue, 13YARN

We’re With You Every Step of the Way

There’s still a lot of uncertainty, but here’s one thing you can count on Minus18 creating spaces and events where LGBTQIA+ young people can connect, feel supported and be themselves — online and offline.

We’re not going anywhere. And neither is your community.

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Are you a parent, carer or guardian?

You can learn more on the eSafety Commissioner’s page about the Social Media Ban, and check out our Minus18 guide for parents and carers.