Countries Moving to Ban Social Media for Children and Teens
Governments around the world are moving quickly to reshape how children and teenagers use social media. After years of concern over online safety, mental health, cyberbullying, addictive platform design, and exposure to harmful content, several countries are now considering strict age limits for popular apps and social platforms.
Australia became the first country to introduce a nationwide social media ban for children under 16, and its decision has encouraged other governments to explore similar rules. France has now joined the growing list of countries pushing forward with restrictions aimed at protecting young users online.
Supporters of these laws argue that social media platforms have not done enough to keep children safe. They say young users face risks such as anxiety, sleep disruption, online harassment, grooming, harmful algorithms, and constant pressure to stay connected.
However, the push for age restrictions has also sparked major concerns. Privacy advocates warn that age verification systems could become invasive if they require users to hand over sensitive personal information. Others argue that banning children from social media may not solve the deeper problems young people face online and could be difficult to enforce.
Despite the debate, momentum is building. Here is a look at the countries that have already introduced, approved, or proposed social media bans for children and teens.
Australia
Australia became the first country in the world to ban social media for children under 16. The ban was introduced in December 2025 and applies to major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, Twitch, and Kick.
The rules do not apply to WhatsApp or YouTube Kids.
Under the law, social media companies must take meaningful steps to prevent underage users from accessing their platforms. Companies that fail to comply could face fines of up to $49.5 million AUD, or about $34.4 million USD.
Australian officials have also made it clear that platforms cannot simply rely on users typing in their own date of birth. Instead, companies are expected to use stronger age-checking systems to confirm whether users are at least 16 years old.
Austria
Austria announced in late March that it plans to ban social media access for children up to the age of 14.
Draft legislation is expected to be completed by June. The proposal is part of a broader effort to reduce children’s exposure to online harm and limit the influence of social media on younger users.
Canada
Canada introduced a digital safety bill in early June that could ban social media use for children under 16.
However, the proposed law includes a possible exception. Social media companies may be able to avoid the ban if they prove they have strong policies and safeguards in place to protect young users.
Canadian officials have said the bill may take around a year to pass through the legislative process.
Denmark
Denmark is preparing to ban social media platforms for children under 15.
The Danish government announced in November 2025 that it had secured political support from three governing coalition parties and two opposition parties in parliament.
The proposal could become law as soon as mid-2026. Denmark’s digital affairs ministry is also developing a “digital evidence” app with age verification features that may support enforcement of the ban.
France
France passed a law on July 21 banning social media access for anyone under 15.
The law could take effect as early as September 1. In addition to restricting social media, France will also ban cell phone use in high schools, expanding rules already in place for primary and middle schools.
The French government says the measure is designed to reduce distractions, improve student well-being, and limit the negative effects of social platforms on young people.
Germany
Germany has also discussed a possible social media ban for children under 16.
In early February, Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s conservative bloc considered a proposal to block younger children from using social media. However, there were signs that center-left coalition partners were reluctant to support a complete ban.
The debate in Germany reflects a wider divide across Europe: many leaders agree that children need stronger online protections, but not all support a strict nationwide ban.
Greece
Greece plans to ban social media access for children under 15 starting in January 2027.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced the plan in April, saying the government wants to address rising anxiety, sleep problems, and the addictive design of social media platforms.
Greek officials have framed the proposal as a public health and child protection measure.
Indonesia
Indonesia announced in early March that it is banning children under 16 from using social media and other major online platforms.
The country plans to begin with platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox.
The move reflects growing concern in Indonesia about children’s digital habits and the need for stronger protection against harmful online content.
Malaysia
Malaysia said in November 2025 that it plans to ban social media for children under 16.
The government aims to introduce the ban this year. Officials have presented the measure as part of a larger strategy to improve online safety for minors and reduce children’s exposure to harmful or inappropriate material.
Poland
Poland’s ruling party is preparing legislation that would ban children under 15 from using social media.
The proposal was reported in February and is still being developed. If approved, Poland would join the growing number of European countries moving toward strict age limits for social media platforms.
Slovenia
Slovenia is drafting legislation to stop children under 15 from accessing social media.
The country’s deputy prime minister announced the plan in early February. The government wants to regulate social networks where users share content, including platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram.
Officials say the goal is to protect children from online risks while creating clearer rules for digital platforms.
Spain
Spain’s prime minister announced in early February that the government plans to ban social media for children under 16.
The proposal still needs approval from parliament before it can become law.
Spain is also considering legislation that would make social media executives personally responsible for hate speech on their platforms. The proposal signals a tougher approach not only to child safety, but also to platform accountability.
Turkey
Turkey’s parliament passed a bill in April to restrict social media access for children under 15.
The bill now requires approval from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan before it becomes law.
If approved, the measure would place Turkey among the countries adopting formal age restrictions for social media use.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is planning to ban social media use for children under 16.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on June 15 that his government would introduce restrictions covering major platforms such as Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X.
Messaging services such as WhatsApp and Signal will not be included in the ban.
The U.K. is also planning limits on certain AI tools. In particular, AI “romantic companion” chatbots will be required to ensure they are only available to users over 18.
Experts have questioned whether a broad social media ban can be enforced effectively. Starmer has acknowledged those challenges but said he believes the policy can work. The government expects a ban could be in place by spring 2027.
Why More Countries Are Targeting Social Media Access for Children
The global push to restrict social media for minors shows how seriously governments are taking the issue of online safety. Parents, teachers, mental health experts, and lawmakers have raised concerns that children are spending too much time on platforms designed to maximize engagement.
Common concerns include cyberbullying, social comparison, anxiety, depression, sleep disruption, inappropriate content, online predators, and addictive app features such as endless scrolling and algorithmic recommendations.
At the same time, age verification remains one of the biggest challenges. Governments want platforms to keep children off restricted services, but privacy groups warn that collecting identification documents, facial scans, or other sensitive data could create new risks.
The debate is far from over. Some countries are pushing for hard bans, while others are exploring softer rules that pressure platforms to improve safety features. Either way, social media regulation for children is becoming one of the biggest digital policy issues worldwide.
