Psychologists warn teens face 'withdrawal' from under-16 social media ban
Aussie families are being warned to prepare as teens face withdrawal-like symptoms when the under-16 social media ban begins.
Australian families are being warned to brace for a rocky first month when the nation’s under-16 social media ban begins, with psychologists predicting teens may experience a short but intense period of “withdrawal-like” symptoms as they are forced offline.
Clinicians say parents should expect irritability, anxiety, mood swings and restlessness in the early weeks – reactions that mirror classic patterns of dependence and adjustment.
“Teens may go through a grief-like process when social media is removed,” director of the Australian Association of Psychologists Daniela McCann said.
“This can involve denial, anger, bargaining, sadness, and eventually acceptance. Parents should watch for prolonged sadness or withdrawal, which may signal a need for extra support.
“Parents should also be alert to signs of emotional distress and acknowledge that loss of social connection can feel very real for teens.”
With the ban kicking in during school holidays – when teens lean on devices the most – psychologists warn families may face heightened boredom, FOMO (fear of missing out) and frustration.
Ms McCann recommends planning ahead with calendars, outings, and structured in-person social opportunities so teens aren’t relying solely on screens for connection.
“Teens who adapt well may see benefits in sleep, mood, and real-life social skills. Those who struggle may experience loneliness, anxiety, or depression,” she said.
“Parents and professionals should watch for persistent low mood, withdrawal, or academic decline, and seek early support if needed. It is essential that professional help be sought early.”
1–2 weeks before the ban comes into effect
Expected behaviours
Anxiety and worry: Teens may express fear about losing access, becoming preoccupied with “what will I do?” or “how will I talk to friends?”
Bargaining and problem-solving: Attempts to circumvent the ban (e.g., asking parents to create accounts, researching VPNs, or creating alternate profiles).
Irritability or defiance: Pushback against rules, more arguments about device use.
Sadness or nostalgia: Teens may reminisce about favourite online moments, worry about losing digital memories or connections.
Parent strategies
Open conversations: Talk honestly about the upcoming changes, validate their feelings (“I know this is hard and feels unfair”).
Collaborative planning: Help them save cherished content (photos, messages), and brainstorm alternative ways to stay in touch with friends (phone calls, group chats, in-person meetups; make sure these are established before December 10).
Set clear expectations: Remind them of the legal and safety reasons behind the ban, and that social media providers will enforce the ban.
Proactive scheduling: Start planning holiday activities and social events to fill the anticipated gap (write this on a board or calendar).
Week 1 (December 10–16): Ban begins
Expected behaviours
Withdrawal symptoms: Irritability, mood swings, restlessness, boredom, and sadness. Possible complaints of “nothing to do”.
Grief reactions: Denial (“I’ll just wait until this blows over”), anger (“Why is this happening to me?”), or emotional outbursts.
Attempts to reconnect: May try to access social media through loopholes or alternate devices.
Parent strategies
Stay calm and supportive: Offer extra patience, avoid shaming, and acknowledge their distress while still holding the boundary.
Encourage distraction: Introduce new hobbies, physical activities, or creative outlets. Consider family outings or projects.
Monitor wellbeing: Watch for signs of severe distress or withdrawal from family/friends. If you are worried, Kids Help Line can be contacted on 1800 55 1800 for free support for teenagers and young people, 24/7. Your GP can also provide support and referrals, if necessary.
Alternative social channels: Help set up group texts, encourage phone/video calls, or facilitate in-person meetups. For those living in regional and remote areas, where personal meetups may be impossible due to distance, some digital options are still available, including Kids Messenger and WhatsApp.
Week 2 (December 17-23)
Expected behaviours
Persistent frustration: Teens may still be angry or sad, but the duration and intensity of episodes of high emotion may lessen. Teens may also make complaints about boredom or missing friends.
Bargaining continues: May suggest “compromises” or plead for exceptions.
Social comparison: Worry about missing out (“Everyone else is still talking online!”).
Parent strategies
Routine and structure: Maintain regular sleep, meals, and activity schedules to reduce chaos and anxiety.
Validate emotions: Continue to listen and empathise (“It’s normal to feel left out”).
Encourage offline socialisation: Arrange meetups, group activities, or outings when possible.
Skill building: Suggest learning something new such as cooking, art, sports or volunteering.
Weeks 3 and 4 (December 24 to January 6): Adjustment period
Expected behaviours
Gradual acceptance: Mood should begin to stabilise, less intense withdrawal but possible lingering sadness or boredom at times.
Exploring alternatives: Teens may show interest in offline activities, reconnect with old hobbies, or deepen family relationships.
Resilient coping: Encourage teens to reflect on the positives you can both see (“I’m sleeping better,” “I’m less stressed”).
Parent strategies
Positive reinforcement: Praise efforts to adapt and try new things.
Encourage reflection: Discuss what’s been challenging and what’s helped; promote gratitude and mindfulness.
Monitor for ongoing issues: If sadness, anxiety, or withdrawal persists, consider seeking professional support via your GP or other services.
Family connection: Increase quality time together, such as games, outings and shared meals.
Weeks 5 and 6 (January 7-20): Consolidation and longer-term monitoring
Expected behaviours
New routines: Teens settle into alternative ways of connecting and entertaining themselves.
Improved wellbeing: Possible improvements in sleep, mood, attention, and relationships.
Occasional nostalgia or FOMO (Fear of Missing out): May still miss aspects of social media, but less frequent/intense.
Parent strategies
Sustain healthy habits: Keep up with routines, offline social opportunities, and positive reinforcement.
Check in regularly: Continue open conversations about emotions, friendships, and challenges.
Watch for persistent struggles: If your child remains withdrawn, anxious, or depressed, seek help from a GP or mental health professional (e.g. Headspace, school psychology service once school returns).
Encourage autonomy: Support teens in planning their own activities, fostering independence and self-efficacy.
Extra tips for school holidays
Plan ahead: Fill the calendar with diverse activities, including sports, arts, volunteering, family trips.
Facilitate friendships: Help maintain peer connections through phone calls, emails, or safe in-person gatherings. There are still digital options available, which can be encouraged for children outside a metropolitan setting.
Model healthy device use: Demonstrate balanced tech habits as a family (e.g. charging devices outside of the bedroom, limit screen time during the day).
Source: Director of the Australian Association of Psychologists Daniela McCann
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Originally published as Psychologists warn teens face 'withdrawal' from under-16 social media ban
