At The Knox School, our students’ digital wellbeing and online safety are top priorities. To help shed light on an often-overlooked issue – age restrictions on popular apps and their implications for younger users – we sat down with our Digital Futurist and technology specialist, Isaac Rule. In this conversation, Isaac explores what these age limits really mean for your child’s safety online, especially during the formative years of Junior School.
Why App Age Limits Matter
“In my digital coaching sessions with students, I’m often surprised by how many are regularly using platforms that technically aren’t intended for them,” Isaac shares. “It’s not just about whether they’ve clicked ‘yes’ on a terms-and-conditions screen – it’s about how those platforms are designed and who they’re really for.”
Most social media platforms – including Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook and Discord – have a minimum age requirement of 13 years, set under their Terms of Service. These limits are not arbitrary. They’re in place to:
- Protect children from inappropriate or harmful content
- Limit data collection and targeted advertising to minors
- Comply with international privacy regulations, like COPPA and GDPR
- Account for the emotional and social maturity required to engage on these platforms safely
With new regulations in some regions moving toward a 16+ age minimum for social media, Isaac believes that it’s even more important for parents to stay informed and proactive.
Staying Informed Can Be Hard – But It’s Worth It
Some apps clearly state their age requirements, but others bury this information in lengthy Terms of Service pages. This makes it difficult for parents to know which apps are appropriate, and how their child’s data and safety may be affected.
“I’m not a parent myself,” Isaac says, “so I can only imagine how challenging it is to keep up with this fast-changing landscape. But what I do know is that children today are navigating complex digital worlds with very little supervision. That’s where conversations at home become incredibly powerful.”
What You Can Do as a Family
Isaac emphasises that staying one step ahead doesn’t mean becoming a tech expert – it means being curious, consistent and involved. He also provides some practical steps that all parents or guardians can try today:
- Check age ratings for every app, game and website your child uses
- Have regular conversations about their online experiences, including who they talk to and what content they see
- Set boundaries together for screen time, device use and social media access
- Model healthy digital habits – children take cues from adult behaviour
- Use trusted resources to stay updated on trends and safety tips
Recommended Resource: The eSafety Guide
For a reliable, up-to-date overview of the most popular apps and their age ratings, Isaac recommends visiting the eSafety Commissioner’s eSafety Guide (click to open). It’s a user-friendly resource for parents, carers and educators looking to understand how platforms work and what risks to be aware of.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
At The Knox School, we believe digital safety is a shared responsibility. We’re here to support you in navigating these important conversations with your children. If you have questions, concerns or would like to learn more about our Digital Coaching program, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Isaac who always enjoys a conversation about cyber safety.
