Turning Off the Screen, Turning Up the Outdoors

From 10 December 2025, young Australians under 16 will no longer be allowed to create or hold accounts on major social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, X and others. It’s a world-first move that places Australia at the centre of global conversations about online safety, youth mental health and the role of big tech in young lives.

For the Outdoor Council of Australia (OCA), this moment is about more than screens going dark — it’s about ensuring young people have brighter, healthier alternatives.

OCA Chair Lori Modde says the decision presents a unique opportunity to rebalance how young Australians spend their time.

“We know that the screen has won the battle for young people in recent years; however, implementing a ban does not offer alternative behaviours, and unfortunately at the moment only 24% of Australians are meeting the daily requirements of physical activity,” Lori said.

With the nation poised for this unprecedented change, OCA is calling for meaningful investment in outdoor recreation and physical activity to help fill the gap.

A Once-in-a-Generation Chance to Rebuild Healthy Habits

The decline in physical activity among children and young people is well documented. Sedentary behaviour, rising mental health concerns and disconnection from nature have been growing concerns for health and education experts across Australia.

The under-16 social media restrictions are intended to reduce some of the risks young people face online — from cyberbullying to exposure to harmful content and addictive design features.

But as Lori points out, removing a behaviour is only half the equation.

If young people simply swap social media for more streaming, gaming or isolated screen use, we risk missing the moment. Done well, however, this shift can spark a powerful return to movement, play, connection and nature.

“It is understandable that young people have over-relied on a screen, with so much happening across technology during their early years,” Lori said. “With the government’s decision to ban their social media access, it is a good opportunity to rediscover the outside world, to connect with their peers in person instead of online, and to have direct access to the world around them.”

The Outdoor INDUSTRY Is Ready — With the Right Support

The Outdoor Council of Australia is the federal peak body that represents the state and territory outdoor industry peak bodies, and is supported by outdoor organisations, including Scouts Australia, Australian Camps Association, Paddle Australia and Nature Play Australia, among many others. Together, these organisations already provide trusted, structured opportunities for young people to be active, build confidence and connect with others in nature.

As the social media restrictions come into force, OCA is actively engaging with the Australian Government to advocate for:

• Increased funding to expand outdoor recreation opportunities for children and young people
• Workforce development to ensure there are enough qualified outdoor leaders, guides and educators
• A budget allocation to create over 200,000 student outdoor experiences by 2029

These are not “nice-to-have” extras. They are strategic investments in population health, youth wellbeing and social cohesion.

“Increased recreation and physical activity, especially for those in their developmental years, could reduce billions for the health system — not only in physical wellbeing, but also through the mental health benefits of activity and social connection,” Lori said.

Supporting Young People Through the Transition

The shift away from social media will not be seamless for every young person. For many, their online world is where friendships are maintained, identity is explored and creativity is expressed. Some will feel grief, frustration or anxiety as platforms they rely on change or disappear.

OCA recognises that this will be a transition, not a switch.

“We recognise there will be a period of transition for young people as they switch off the screens, but let’s help them return to the more beneficial times of activity and connection,” Lori said.
That support needs to come from multiple directions:

• Families can encourage outdoor play, local adventures and shared activities instead of defaulting to other screens.
• Schools can integrate more outdoor learning, camps, and active programs into the curriculum.
• Communities and councils can invest in safe, accessible parks, trails and outdoor infrastructure.
• Governments can partner with peak bodies like OCA to scale proven programs that get young people outside, active and connected.

A Call to Partner for the “Post-Social Media” Generation

As Australia becomes the testing ground for this world-first policy, the eyes of other nations are watching to see what happens next. The OCA’s message is clear: if we want this reform to truly benefit young people, we must pair online safety measures with real-world opportunities to thrive.

The Outdoor Council of Australia is calling on governments, educators, health professionals and community organisations to:

• Recognise outdoor recreation as a core part of the response to the social media ban
• Invest in programs that deliver regular, meaningful outdoor experiences for all young Australians — not just those who can already afford them
• Work collaboratively with the outdoor sector to design initiatives that are inclusive, safe and evidence-based

With the right support, the “time given back” by the social media ban can be transformed into time outdoors — building resilience, friendships, skills and lifelong healthy habits.

Now is the moment to make sure young Australians don’t just lose something, but gain something far more valuable in its place.