Family Decisions

Home / Questions / Screen time for a 13 year old

Australian guidelines

How much screen time for a 13 year old in Australia?

Up to 2 hours a day

Australia's guidelines recommend no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time a day for a 13 year old. Since 10 December 2025, age-restricted social media platforms must also take reasonable steps to stop under-16s having accounts.

Up to 2 hoursrecreational screens a day
9–11 hourssleep, a night
At least 1 hourof energetic activity every day

Make a plan that fits your family

The guideline is a ceiling, not a target. Our free planner starts with your family's values, then works out a daily allowance for each child, with agreements you can print.

Make our family screen plan →

Built by a registered psychologist with 20 years in child and family services. General information, not clinical advice.

The under-16 social media rules

Since 10 December 2025, ten platforms must take reasonable steps to stop under-16s having accounts: Facebook, Instagram, Kick, Reddit, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, Twitch, X and YouTube. Messaging apps and online games aren't covered. Platforms face the penalties, not children or parents.

Source: eSafety Commissioner, social media age restrictions. Last checked 22 October 2026.

What helps at this age

  • Talk about the under-16 rules openly, and why they exist.
  • Agree what happens if they find a workaround, before it happens.
  • Keep phones out of bedrooms overnight.
  • Messaging and gaming apps aren't covered by the rules, so check their settings together.

Common questions

Can my 13 year old have Snapchat or Instagram?

No. Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Reddit, X, Threads, Kick and Twitch are age-restricted, and those platforms must take reasonable steps to stop under-16s having accounts.

Will we get fined if our child uses social media?

No. The rules put the responsibility on platforms. Children and parents aren't penalised.

Is WhatsApp allowed?

Messaging apps such as WhatsApp aren't covered by the age restrictions. It's still worth agreeing who your child messages and when.

Source: Australian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines, Australian Government. Last checked 22 October 2026.