More governments are moving to limit how children and teenagers use social media, arguing that the risks now outweigh the benefits for young users. Australia was the first country to turn that momentum into a nationwide restriction late last year, and its move is quickly becoming a reference point for lawmakers elsewhere.
The push behind these proposals is largely the same from country to country: reduce the pressure minors can feel online and cut down on dangers tied to social platforms. Supporters point to concerns like cyberbullying, addictive design features, mental health impacts, and exposure to predatory behavior. At the same time, the debate remains heated. Privacy advocates warn that strict age checks could lead to invasive verification systems, while critics argue that outright bans may be difficult to enforce and risk ignoring the way younger generations communicate and learn.
Even with those objections, a growing list of nations are either drafting restrictions or advancing bills that would limit social media access for children and teens. Here’s where things stand.
Australia
Australia became the first country in the world to ban social media for children under 16, passing the measure in December 2025. The restriction targets major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, Twitch, and Kick. Two notable exceptions are WhatsApp and YouTube Kids.
Under Australia’s approach, responsibility largely falls on the platforms, not families. The government says companies must take active steps to keep under-16 users off their services. Firms that fail to comply could face penalties as high as 49.5 million AUD (about 34.4 million USD).
Australia’s policy also signals the direction many other countries may follow on enforcement: platforms are expected to use multiple age verification methods rather than relying on users simply typing in a birthdate.
Denmark
Denmark is preparing a ban that would block children under 15 from social media. The government announced in November 2025 that it had lined up support from several parties across parliament, increasing the likelihood the plan becomes law. Reports suggest the measure could take effect as soon as mid-2026.
Alongside the proposed restriction, Denmark’s digital affairs ministry is developing a “digital evidence” app that includes age verification tools, which could become part of how the country enforces any new rules.
France
France is moving quickly on a similar path. In late January, French lawmakers passed a bill that would ban social media for children under 15. President Emmanuel Macron has backed the measure, framing it as a way to protect children from excessive screen time.
The bill still needs approval in the Senate before returning for a final vote in the lower house, so it isn’t law yet, but it has significant political momentum.
Germany
In Germany, the issue is under active discussion. In early February, Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s conservatives talked about a proposal that would bar children under 16 from using social media. However, there are indications that coalition partners are not fully aligned on an outright ban, suggesting Germany’s final approach may involve compromise or a narrower set of restrictions.
Greece
Greece is reportedly close to announcing a social media ban for children under 15. While details haven’t been fully laid out publicly, the reports indicate the country may soon join the wave of European governments setting a minimum age for access to major platforms.
Indonesia
Indonesia announced in early March that it plans to ban children under 16 from social media and other widely used online platforms. The country is expected to begin with some of the world’s most popular services, including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox.
Malaysia
Malaysia has also signaled firm intent. In November 2025, the government said it planned to ban social media use for children under 16, with implementation expected this year. The announcement places Malaysia among the countries adopting stricter age limits rather than lighter-touch safety rules.
Slovenia
Slovenia is drafting legislation that would prohibit children under 15 from accessing social media. Officials have pointed to platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram while describing the effort as an attempt to regulate social networks where content sharing is central.
Spain
Spain’s prime minister announced in early February that the country plans to ban social media for children under 16, though the proposal still needs parliamentary approval. Spain is also pursuing a tougher accountability stance overall, including a push for a law that could make social media executives personally responsible for hate speech hosted on their platforms.
United Kingdom
The UK is weighing whether a ban for under-16 users would actually work. Rather than moving straight to legislation, the government says it plans to consult parents, young people, and civil society groups before deciding how far to go.
In addition to the question of an age-based ban, UK officials are considering whether platforms should be required to limit or remove features designed to keep users hooked, such as endless scrolling and other mechanics associated with compulsive use.
What happens next
As more countries explore age limits for social media, the biggest question is how these rules will be enforced without creating new problems, especially around privacy and data collection. Many of the proposals point toward stronger age verification, but the methods and safeguards will likely determine whether these bans are seen as effective protections for children or as overly intrusive government intervention.
For parents, educators, and young users, one thing is already clear: the global conversation around social media safety for minors is shifting fast, and the next year could bring some of the most significant policy changes the internet has seen in decades.
