Vietnam Proposes a “Muted” Social Media Plan for Children as Global Youth Bans Gain Momentum
Vietnam is considering one of the most unusual approaches yet to child safety on social media. Rather than banning young users from platforms entirely, the country may allow children under 16 to keep their accounts while removing their ability to post, comment, or react.
The proposal comes as governments around the world move to restrict social media access for children and teenagers, citing concerns about cyberbullying, addiction, mental health, harmful content, and online predators. While some countries are pushing for outright bans, Vietnam’s plan takes a different route: children could still view approved content, but their accounts would become largely passive.
Under a draft decree from Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, social media accounts for users under 16 would need to be registered under a parent or guardian. Parents would be expected to monitor what their children access and how much time they spend online.
Social media platforms would also be required to use technical systems to identify child users and limit them to age-appropriate content.
Deputy Culture Minister Phan Tam has said the goal is not to ban children from social media completely, but to create a safer and more suitable online environment for young users. The decree has not yet been finalized and could still change before it is adopted.
Vietnam is also looking at new rules for online gaming. One proposal would limit users under 16 to 60 minutes per day per game. As with social media, gaming accounts for children would need to be registered through a parent or guardian.
Why countries are restricting social media for children
The global debate over children and social media has intensified as parents, educators, doctors, and lawmakers raise concerns about the effect of digital platforms on young people.
Governments say the biggest risks include:
Cyberbullying and harassment
Social media addiction and excessive screen time
Mental health problems, including anxiety and depression
Sleep disruption
Exposure to harmful or inappropriate content
Contact with online predators
Pressure from algorithms designed to keep users engaged
Supporters of age restrictions argue that children need stronger protection from platforms that are built to maximize attention. Critics, however, warn that social media bans could lead to privacy concerns, especially if platforms use invasive age verification tools. Others argue that bans may be difficult to enforce and may not reflect how deeply digital communication is woven into young people’s lives.
Despite those concerns, many countries are moving forward with social media restrictions for minors.
Australia
Australia became the first country to introduce a nationwide social media ban for children under 16 in December 2025.
The ban applies to major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, Twitch, and Kick. It does not apply to WhatsApp or YouTube Kids.
The Australian government has said social media companies must take active steps to prevent children under 16 from using their services. Platforms that fail to comply could face penalties of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars, or around 34.4 million U.S. dollars.
Authorities have also said platforms cannot rely only on users typing in their date of birth. Instead, companies are expected to use multiple methods to verify age.
Austria
Austria announced in late March that it plans to ban social media for children up to age 14.
Draft legislation is expected to be completed by June. The proposal is part of a broader push in Europe to place tighter limits on children’s access to online platforms.
Canada
Canada introduced a digital safety bill in early June that could ban social media for children under 16.
The bill may allow large social media companies to avoid a full ban if they can prove they have strong policies and safeguards in place to protect young users. Officials have said the legislation may take about a year to pass.
Denmark
Denmark is preparing to ban social media platforms for children under 15.
The Danish government announced in November 2025 that it had secured support for the proposal from three governing coalition parties and two opposition parties in parliament.
The plan could become law as early as mid-2026. Denmark’s digital affairs ministry is also developing a “digital evidence” app that includes age verification features, which could be used to support enforcement.
France
France passed a law on July 21 banning social media access for anyone under 15.
The law could take effect as soon as September 1. France is also expanding restrictions on mobile phone use in schools. Cell phones are already banned in primary and middle schools, and the new rules would extend that ban to high schools.
Germany
In early February, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s conservative bloc discussed a proposal to prevent children under 16 from using social media.
However, support for a full ban appears uncertain, with some center-left coalition partners reportedly hesitant to back an outright restriction.
Greece
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced in April that Greece plans to ban social media access for children under 15 starting in January 2027.
The government says the policy is aimed at addressing growing concerns over anxiety, sleep problems, and the addictive design of social media platforms.
Indonesia
Indonesia said in early March that it plans to ban children under 16 from using social media and other popular online platforms.
The country is expected to begin with platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox.
Malaysia
Malaysia announced in November 2025 that it intends to ban social media for children under 16.
The government plans to introduce the ban this year as part of a wider effort to improve online safety for minors.
Poland
Poland’s ruling party is drafting legislation that would prevent children under 15 from using social media.
The proposal adds Poland to the growing list of European countries considering legal age limits for social media access.
Slovenia
Slovenia is drafting a law that would ban children under 15 from accessing social media.
The country’s deputy prime minister said the government wants to regulate social networks where users share content, naming platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram as examples.
Spain
Spain’s prime minister announced in early February that the country plans to ban social media for children under 16.
The proposal still needs approval from parliament. Spain is also considering a law that would make social media executives personally accountable for hate speech on their platforms.
Turkey
Turkey’s parliament passed a bill in April that would restrict social media access for children under 15.
The bill still needs approval from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan before it can become law.
United Kingdom
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on June 15 that his government will introduce a ban on social media use for children under 16.
The ban would apply to several major platforms, including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X.
Messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Signal are not expected to be included. The U.K. also plans to place limits on certain AI tools, including “romantic companion” chatbots, which would need to ensure they are only available to users over 18.
Some experts have questioned whether a blanket ban can work in practice. Starmer has acknowledged the enforcement challenges but said he believes the policy is achievable. A ban could be in place by spring 2027.
Vietnam
Vietnam’s proposal stands out because it does not fully remove children from social media. Instead, it would allow under-16 users to remain on platforms while limiting their ability to interact.
If adopted, children under 16 would be able to keep their accounts, but they would not be allowed to post, comment, or react to content. Their accounts would need to be registered under a parent or guardian, and platforms would be required to identify child users and provide age-appropriate content.
Vietnam is also considering a gaming limit for under-16 users, with playtime capped at 60 minutes per day per game.
The bigger picture
The global movement to restrict social media for children is accelerating. While each country is taking a slightly different approach, the goal is largely the same: reduce the risks young users face online while forcing technology platforms to take more responsibility.
Vietnam’s “muted account” idea could become an important test case. It offers a middle ground between full access and total exclusion, allowing children to stay connected while limiting the more interactive features that can expose them to harmful behavior.
Still, questions remain. How will platforms verify age without invading privacy? Can children easily bypass restrictions? Will bans reduce harm, or will young users simply move to less regulated online spaces?
As more governments introduce child social media laws, these questions will become central to the future of online safety, digital rights, and youth access to the internet.
