Australia Raised the Social Media Age to 16

Australia has become the first country in the world to raise the minimum age for social media to sixteen. It is a remarkable change that has already caught the attention of parents, policymakers and educators everywhere.

Other countries are now watching closely. Denmark and Norway are considering a minimum age of fifteen. Spain is moving toward sixteen. The European Parliament has encouraged member states to rethink their own rules entirely.

Whether you agree with these changes or not, the shift raises an important question for every parent. If younger children should not be on fast and attention driven platforms, then what should healthy online connection look like instead. That question has shaped much of my thinking this year.

Why I Started Building Stamplo

I am a dad of two, and I do not let my children use social media or have a phone. I have worked in UX for many years and I understand how modern apps are designed to pull attention and form habits. They were never built with children in mind.

When we travel, my children make friends everywhere we go. We often keep in touch by becoming pen pals. Over time it became clear that many families struggled with stamps, post offices and international delivery. That is what led me to start building Stamplo. I wanted a digital version of pen palling that felt as gentle and slow as the real thing. A place where children could write thoughtful letters. A place where parents stay involved. A place where letters take time to arrive rather than appearing instantly.

I have watched many parents wrestle with an impossible feeling. How do I let my child connect with the world without exposing them to everything that comes with modern apps. It is a question that stayed with me as my own children grew older.

What Has Happened Since Launch

Families from thirty six countries have now joined Stamplo and the relationships forming between children have been wonderful to watch. Some friendships have continued for months. One pair of children have exchanged thirty three letters so far. A child in Hungary has been writing to a child in Sweden since the summer.

Every letter is approved by both parents before it is delivered. There are no feeds or follower counts. No likes. No endless scrolling. Just children writing to each other in a patient and thoughtful way.

Why Australia’s Decision Matters

Australia’s decision does not fix everything. No single policy ever will. But it sends a clear signal that the world is beginning to recognise something parents have sensed for years. The current model of social media is not built for the wellbeing of younger children.

Many families feel pressured to allow social media because all their child’s friends have it. A move like this breaks that cycle. It gives parents permission to pause, reflect and choose a healthier path.

If children are going to be online, they deserve spaces that are designed for their development. Calm spaces. Spaces that do not rush them. Spaces where parents stay involved. Spaces that support connection rather than comparison.

What I Have Learned While Building This

Creating Stamplo has shown me the value of slow communication. When a child sits down to write a letter, they take their time. They think about what they want to say. They wait for a reply. They form a connection with another child somewhere else in the world in a quiet and meaningful way.

That kind of connection is becoming rare online, but it is still possible when technology is designed with intention and with children in mind.

Families Do Not Need to Wait

You do not need to wait for your country to follow Australia before rethinking your child’s digital world. Every family can choose a slower and more intentional approach today.

If you are looking for a calm and supervised way for your child to connect with the world, visit stamplo.kids and see if Stamplo might be right for your family. If you are a teacher, journalist or someone working in digital childhood reform, feel free to get in touch. I am always happy to share what I have learned while building this.