In recent months, numerous nations have declared intentions to limit children’s and teenagers’ access to social media. Australia was the first to enact such restrictions at the close of last year, establishing a precedent that others are now monitoring. France has recently followed suit with its own proposal.
Governments worldwide are introducing regulations and proposals intended to mitigate the pressures and risks that young users encounter on social platforms, such as cyberbullying, addiction, mental health challenges, and exposure to predators.
Nevertheless, concerns persist regarding privacy implications of invasive age verification and the potential for overreaching government intervention. Critics, including Amnesty Tech, argue that such bans are ineffective and overlook the lived realities of younger generations, yet many countries continue to advance legislative proposals.
Australia
Australia became the first nation to prohibit social media use for individuals under 16, effective December 2025. The restriction bars access to Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, Twitch, and Kick, while exempting WhatsApp and YouTube Kids.
The Australian government requires social media platforms to implement measures that prevent under‑16 users from accessing their services. Companies that do not comply may be fined up to AUD $49.5 million (approximately USD $34.4 million).
Authorities state that platforms must employ multiple verification mechanisms to confirm users are over 16, and that self‑reported ages are insufficient.
Austria
In late March, Austria announced plans to prohibit social media use for children up to age 14, with draft legislation slated for finalization by June.
Canada
Canada introduced a digital safety bill in early June that would ban social media for users under 16. The legislation permits platforms that can demonstrate robust policies protecting youth to seek exemptions, though officials anticipate a year before the bill becomes law.
Denmark
Denmark will prohibit social media platforms for children under 15. In November 2025, the Danish government reported securing parliamentary support for the ban from three coalition parties and two opposition parties.
The legislation could take effect as early as mid‑2026, according to the Associated Press. Denmark’s digital affairs ministry is also introducing a “digital evidence” app that incorporates age‑verification tools to support the ban.
France
France enacted a law on July 21 prohibiting social media access for anyone under 15, with implementation possible as early as September 1. The legislation also extends the existing ban on mobile phones to high schools, in addition to primary and middle schools.
Germany
In early February, Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s conservative party debated a proposal to prohibit children under 16 from using social media, according to Reuters. Nevertheless, centre‑left coalition partners expressed reservations about endorsing a full ban.
Greece
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced in April that the country will ban social media access for children under 15, effective January 2027. He stated the measure targets rising anxiety, sleep disturbances, and the addictive design of social platforms.
Indonesia
Indonesia announced in early March that it will prohibit children under 16 from using social media and other popular online platforms, initially targeting YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox.
Malaysia
The Malaysian government declared in November 2025 its intention to ban social media for children under 16, with implementation planned for the current year.
Poland
Poland’s ruling party is drafting legislation to ban children under 15 from using social media, as reported by Bloomberg in February.
Slovenia
Slovenia’s deputy prime minister announced in early February that the government is drafting legislation to prohibit children under 15 from accessing social media, targeting platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram.
Spain
Spain’s prime minister announced in early February that the country intends to ban social media for individuals under 16, pending parliamentary approval. The government also aims to pass legislation holding social media executives personally accountable for hate speech on their platforms.
Turkey
Turkey’s parliament passed a bill in April restricting social media access for children under 15; the president must now sign it for it to become law.
UK
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on June 15 that his government will impose a ban on social media use for children under 16, covering platforms such as Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X.
Messaging services such as WhatsApp and Signal will be exempt from the ban. Additionally, AI “romantic companion” chatbots will be required to restrict usage to individuals aged 18 and over.
Experts have voiced doubts about the effectiveness of a blanket ban, but Starmer acknowledges the challenges and expresses confidence that enforcement is feasible, with the ban potentially taking effect by spring 2027.
