‘Have a break… until 16’: KitKat backs 36 months initiative as PM proposes social media ban for teens
KitKat has signed on as a partner of 36 Months, the social change initiative urging the government to raise the age of social media citizenship, as the Prime Minister is set to propose new “world leading” legislation to the national cabinet on Friday.
36 Months, founded by radio host and comedian Michael ‘Wippa’ Wipfli and CEO of production company FINCH, Rob Galluzzo, urged the government to mandate social media citizenship, delaying the age teenagers can sign up to social media platforms from 13 to 16.
To raise awareness of the cause, KitKat has reinforced 36 Months’ message with a digital billboard outside Parliament House, using its iconic ‘Have a break’ tagline.
‘Have a break… until 16’ hopes to help spread the message and help the next generation with the foundations they need to have better breaks.
Recent research by KitKat found that it is getting harder for Gen Z to take meaningful breaks without interruptions of technology or pressures to be ‘always on’. 52% of Gen Z said they take breaks to get away from screen time, yet this isn’t being achieved as 50% are still looking at social media on their breaks.
“Raising the social media age limit will allow teenagers the crucial time to grow and take breaks without the pressures of digital platforms,” said Greg Attwells, director at 36 Months.
“We’re thrilled to partner with KitKat, to help encourage ‘quality breaks’ from social media throughout life. Together, KitKat and 36 Months want to create an intentional pause, during formative years, to switch off and truly ‘break.'”
Nestlé Confectionary’s head of marketing, Mel Chen, added: “At KitKat, we love engaging with our fans on socials but also understand the need for balance and time away from social.
“We champion ‘better breaks’ at every age – breaks should enable Aussies to disconnect from everything and return feeling refreshed. Breaks are essential for our mental health and development but in today’s world, our breaks are being interrupted by social feeds or the constant need to be ‘on.'”
On Thursday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that the Australian government will introduce new legislation banning Australians under 16 from signing up or using social media platforms. Proposed to come into effect in a year’s time, underage users who already have accounts will also be locked out. Albanese will propose the laws to a virtual sitting of the national cabinet on Friday morning.
Which platforms are defined as ‘social media’ will be spelled out before the end of the year, according to Communications Minister Michelle Rowland.
Social media platforms will be given one year to introduce measures to ensure that anyone under the age limit won’t be able to use their platforms, on threat of large enforceable fines.
Meta has supported the enforcement of age limitations for social media use, but argues that putting the onus on the platforms to self-police isn’t the correct approach.
Antigone Davis, global vice president of safety, Meta said: “We respect any age limitations the government wants to introduce for social media use.
“However, what’s missing is a deeper discussion on how we implement protections, otherwise we risk making ourselves feel better, like we have taken action, but teens and parents will not find themselves in a better place.”
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Lauren McNamara was the associate editor at Mumbrella. She joined in November 2022 as editorial assistant, after completing a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) at UTS. She left Mumbrella in August 2025.
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36 months
Anthony Albanese
Greg Attwells
KitKat
Mel Chen
Michelle Rowland
prime minister
social media
social media citizenship
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