Creating Safe and Supportive Spaces for Younger Fans Online

Why Discord is the next frontier for artists navigating the Australian under 16s social media ban

We’re exploring how music artists can still connect with their under-16 audience in Australia, and why building fan communities on Discord isn’t just strategic, it’s ethical.

When the Australian government started pushing for a ban on TikTok and Instagram for users under 16, a lot of artists panicked. It makes sense. That age group isn’t just your audience—they’re often your first audience. The ones who find your songs on a For You Page at midnight. Who send your lyrics to their mates. Who show up, stream, and care.

So how do you keep reaching them when the main channels are gone?

You stop relying on algorithm-driven content. You start building intentional community.

Practical Ways to Keep Young Fans Engaged, Safely

The key word here is safe. Younger fans need spaces where they can connect without being sold to, exposed to hate, or pulled into chaos. Artists have a unique opportunity and responsibility to lead those spaces with care.

Here’s how to make it work:

🛡 Set a clear code of conduct from day one

This sets the tone. Whether your fans are 14 or 40, having clear rules about bullying, spam, and inappropriate content makes a Discord server feel intentional and cared for. No community flourishes without boundaries.

👥 Use vetted, trained mods, not just your mates

If you’re under 18, get help from a trusted adult or older peer. If you’re older, think about who has the emotional intelligence and online experience to guide your fans with respect.

🧠 Make space for fun and support

Try a channel for mental health check-ins, a daily vibes thread, or a school stress vent space. These aren’t extras. They show your fans they’re more than just listeners to you.

🎉 Build rituals, not pressure

You don’t need 24/7 activity. Try a monthly “fanmail Friday” where you shout out community members. Or let fans design merch together once a year. Let the community breathe, but give it shape.

⚠️ Protect your fans’ privacy

Don’t screenshot fans’ vulnerable posts to your stories without asking. Don’t use Discord as a tool to farm marketing content. When in doubt, act like a guest in the space you’ve created.

When you treat your fans with care, they treat your project with care too.

Why Every Emerging Artist Needs a Community Strategy in 2025

Here’s what most artists miss: You don’t need a viral moment. You need a system.

If you’re trying to grow as an independent artist in Australia right now, especially with a younger audience, TikTok alone won’t cut it anymore. The under 16s social media ban is reshaping the rules. The artists who thrive will be the ones who build safe, direct, intentional community spaces.

That’s where I come in.

I help artists:

✨ Design Discord servers around their actual fanbase

🧩 Map out engagement journeys that turn lurkers into superfans

🛠 Set up mod systems, role hierarchies, and fan rituals that last

🧭 Build spaces that support growth and care

It’s not about dumping fans into a server and hoping for the best. It’s about curating something that lives, breathes, and reflects your vision, while keeping your youngest and most passionate supporters safe.

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