Global Push to Limit Children’s Access to Social Media Gains Momentum

Meta’s landmark settlement of up to $17.1 billion with U.S. states and territories on Wednesday over claims that its addictive platforms endangered children concluded one regulatory battle.

However, Meta—and its competitors across the industry—continue to confront numerous challenges worldwide.

The company, which operates Facebook and Instagram, and other tech giants have faced a wave of bans and restrictions internationally over the past year, as the global movement to protect young people from the potential harms of social media appears to be accelerating.

Nevertheless, those bans and restrictions have encountered setbacks and obstacles. Even some world leaders who express theoretical support for such measures are questioning their approach or effectiveness.

Below is an overview of countries that have already banned or limited social media for young people, and those considering similar steps over the past year.

Denmark

Last year, the Danish government unveiled a plan to prohibit anyone under 15 from using certain platforms. The Ministry for Digital Affairs stated that the aim was to keep children off social media until age 15, allowing them more time for “peace, play and development.”

Australia

In December, the world’s first social‑media ban for young teenagers took effect in Australia, part of a sweeping government effort to shield children from potential harms. The law blocks those under 16 from platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Kick, Reddit, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, Twitch, X and YouTube.

Young users quickly discovered workarounds, however. By spring, surveys indicated that about 70 percent of parents of children under 16 who already had accounts before the ban reported that their teenagers still accessed at least one of the restricted services. In June, the government announced plans to strengthen the legislation, acknowledging the law’s limited impact.

Spain

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced in February that Spain would ban social media for anyone under 16, adding that the measure would require parliamentary approval.

Indonesia

In March, Indonesia introduced a ban on social‑media use by children under 16 on platforms classified as “high‑risk,” including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X and Roblox. The ban took effect the same month, and Indonesian authorities summoned officials from Google and Meta for allegedly failing to comply with the new law.

Brazil

Since March, social‑media users under 16 in Brazil have been required to link their accounts to a legal guardian for supervision, and platforms have been barred from employing addictive features such as infinite scroll, among other restrictions.

Austria

In March, Austria announced plans to ban social‑media use for children under 14.

Turkey

In April, Turkey enacted a law restricting social media for children under 15, which is being phased in gradually. The legislation did not specify which platforms were affected or how users’ ages would be verified, but Turkish officials said the login process would require the use of a government‑run online portal, a step that free‑speech advocates argue could jeopardize online privacy and freedom of expression.

Malaysia

In June, a measure barring children under 16 from social‑media platforms with more than 8 million users in Malaysia took effect, limiting use of TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. The restrictions have not completely prevented minors from accessing the platforms, and—mirroring the experiences in Australia and Indonesia—parents and officials have highlighted the challenges of enforcing the new rules.

United Arab Emirates

In June, the United Arab Emirates announced that the minimum age for social‑media accounts would be set at 15, and certain activities would be restricted for teenagers aged 15 and 16. The rules apply to all platforms operating in the Emirates, but companies have a 12‑month compliance window.

Britain

In June, the British government announced a plan to ban social media for children under 16, set to take effect early next year. Officials also said they would block minors under 16 from livestreaming and from communicating with strangers on a broader range of online services, including gaming sites, and that they would “examine overnight curfews and breaks in infinite scrolling” for individuals under 18.

France

In July, France enacted a law restricting access to social media for anyone under 15, becoming the first European country to do so. It planned to implement elements of the law as early as September, but this month the country’s highest court blocked it, citing concerns about curtailing freedom of expression. President Emmanuel Macron has pledged to pass a revised version before his term ends next spring.

New Zealand

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has called for restrictions on social media and this week indicated that the government would introduce such a measure. However, the difficulties other nations have faced in enforcement have strengthened the position of opponents in New Zealand, and it remains unclear when—or whether—any legislation will be passed.

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