Major landmarks in Kangaroo Point will take part in a nationwide light-up to mark the start of new child safety social media laws, recognising the reform’s rollout across Australia.
Campaign Sparks a National Moment
Landmarks across the country will illuminate on 10 December as new rules limiting access to social media for people under 16 take effect.
This follows a campaign launched on 19 May 2024, which raised concerns about heightened psychological distress among young people. The campaign highlighted rising cases of self-harm, eating disorders and other behavioural challenges, noting their alignment with the rapid expansion of major social platforms.
Timeline data accompanying the campaign illustrated the introduction of key digital features and milestones, such as the widespread adoption of the like button, the rise of large-scale user bases and the international rollout of fast-growing video-based platforms. These developments were presented as the backdrop to increasing levels of distress recorded across multiple youth age groups.
Kangaroo Point Joins the National Display
Kangaroo Point will participate in the coordinated lighting event, with the Kangaroo Point bridge set to feature green and gold illumination. Nearby, the Story Bridge and Reddacliff Place will also light up as part of the wider Brisbane contribution.
The coordinated illumination will begin at sunset in each location, marking the first evening the new laws come into effect. The inclusion of Kangaroo Point places it among several significant sites around the country participating in the national display.
Major Online Platforms Begin Compliance Measures
Around one million social media accounts belonging to users under 16 are expected to shut down as the rules are enforced. In the days leading up to the rollout, young users received notifications advising them that their accounts would close until they reach the age threshold.
Major platforms confirmed they will implement age-verification systems to comply with the new requirements, following earlier concerns raised by industry groups about feasibility and enforcement.
The reform has drawn significant attention internationally. Regions across Europe, Asia and the United States are monitoring the implementation closely as they consider age-based access restrictions of their own.
Public Support Visible Across Communities
Many families have expressed strong support for the new rules. Parents described growing concern about harmful online content, prolonged screen exposure and the challenges of managing access once children become active on major platforms.
The national lighting display, including the event at Kangaroo Point, reflects this widespread support and marks a shared moment acknowledging youth online safety.
A National Shift Begins at Sunset
The illumination of Kangaroo Point reinforces the introduction of the reforms and signals the beginning of a broader change in how young people engage with the online environment. As platforms disable under-16 accounts and verification systems expand, the rollout represents the first stage of a coordinated response to concerns around youth wellbeing in the digital era.
Published 9-Dec-2025
