How teens can save videos, photos ahead of U16 social ban
Under 16s will be locked out of their social media accounts from December 10, but there is a way to save all those photos, videos and other memories. Find out how to save your data
READING LEVEL: ORANGE
Australian teenagers face sweeping changes to their social media access next month, with new restrictions coming into effect on December 10. Under the rules, children under 16 will no longer be able to create or maintain accounts on certain platforms.
TikTok and Snapchat users will have their accounts frozen and content archived* from mid-December, while Instagram and Facebook accounts will be paused, deactivated* or deleted.
If you are under 16 and using one of the platforms that is set to be banned, you may be worried about what will happen to your photos, videos and other content once the new laws come into effect.
Experts say there is a way to save your social data before the deadline hits – and now is the time to act.
Here is everything you and your parents need to know:
HOW TO SAVE YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA MEMORIES
Ella Doyle, director and social media specialist at Social Cut agency, said under 16-year-olds affected by the reform should move quickly to secure their data, as many platforms are expected to begin automatic account restrictions once the ban comes into effect.
“It’s essential that young users and their families act now to safeguard* their digital memories,” she said.
“We’re encouraging all under-16 account holders to download and save their photos, videos and posts ahead of the deadline,” she added.
STEPS TO TAKE
Ms Doyle said there are a few different things you can do to help keep your content before your accounts are deactivated or deleted. That way, while you may not be able to use the platforms again until you are 16, you won’t lose any photos, videos or conversations that are important to you.
It’s best to have a parent or carer help you with these steps.
“Go through your account and decide what you want to keep. Whether it’s personal photos, videos or messages, take time to choose what matters,” Ms Doyle said.
“Use the platform’s ‘Download your data’ or ‘Archive’ option where available. If not, manually save important content to a secure place such as cloud storage* or an external drive.
“Make sure you know your login details and keep them safe in case you need to retrieve* anything later.”
TAGGED POSTS
There might also be other photos or posts from friends that are important to you that aren’t your own. If you are tagged in these posts and you would like to keep a copy of them, Ms Doyle said you could ask your friends to download and share the posts with you.
GUIDE ON HOW TO SAVE CONTENT:
1. Download your data archive
This is the most complete way to save everything. Most social media platforms have a tool that lets you request and download all your data, including photos, videos, messages, comments, and even your activity log.
How to find it:
Go to Settings on the social media app/website.
Look for a section like “Your Activity,” “Privacy and Security,” or “Download Your Information/Data”.
You will typically enter your password and the platform will email you a link to a large file (often a ZIP file) containing all your account data.
Expert tip: Do this well in advance of December 10, as generating the archive can take hours or even a few days, depending on the platform and how much content you have.
2. Manually save photos and videos
For the most important, high-quality photos and videos, download them directly to a phone, tablet, or computer.
How to do it:
Photos/Videos: Open the content and look for an “Options” menu (often three dots) or a “Share” icon, and choose “Save Photo/Video.”
Messages: You can often take screenshots of important private messages or chat histories, especially on platforms that don’t include them in the main data archive (though the archive is better for a complete record).
POLL
GLOSSARY
- archived: securely stored for later
- deactivated: temporarily disabling an account so that it is inactive and can’t be used (or seen by others) but can be reactivated and used again later on in the future when the user is 16 or older
- safeguard: protect
- cloud storage: online based storage like Google Drive or Dropbox
- retrieve: access something that has been stored away
EXTRA READING
U16 social media ban explained
‘Monumental’ step to protect kids
Aussie teens learning AI bot tricks
QUICK QUIZ
1. When will the social media reforms for under 16s come into effect?
2. Name two platforms included in the new laws?
3. Why should you take steps to download your social data now rather than later?
4. Where can you save your downloaded data?
5. How can you save videos and photos in the highest quality?
LISTEN TO THIS STORY
CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES
1. How will they know?
Do you know how social media platforms will work out which users are under 16? It might not just be about giving your date of birth! Brainstorm some ideas. Then, use your research skills to find out. Use the information that you have gathered to create an infographic that helps kids understand this.
Time: allow at least 30 minutes to complete this activity
Curriculum Links: English, Information Technology
2. Extension
Do you think the social media ban will make a positive difference? Write a short report that outlines your ideas about this topic. Imagine that your report will be read by our Prime Minister.
Time: allow at least 25 minutes to complete this activity
Curriculum Links English, Health and Physical Education
VCOP ACTIVITY
BAB it!
Show you have read and understood the article by writing three sentences using the connectives “because’’, “and”, and “but” (BAB). Your sentences can share different facts or opinions, or the same ones but written about in different ways.