Global Move: Countries Considering Bans on Social Media for Minors
From Australia to the UK, nations are stepping up measures to restrict social media access for children. Here’s a look at which countries have announced bans and what they entail.
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Over the past months, many countries around the world have started moving towards stricter regulations on social media use among minors. A trend initiated by Australia has since spread to several other nations, with some even going as far as implementing outright bans.
Australia: The Pioneer
Australia became the first country in December 2025 to ban social media for children under 16, marking a significant step towards reducing risks such as cyberbullying and mental health issues. The banned platforms include Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, Twitch, and Kick.
Following the Lead
Austria: Draft Legislation in Progress
Austria announced its plans to ban social media for children under 14 by June. The draft legislation is expected to be finalized soon.
Canada: Digital Safety Bill on the Horizon
The Canadian government introduced a digital safety bill that aims to restrict access to social media platforms for children under 16. Under this bill, social media companies can avoid the ban if they demonstrate effective policies to protect young users. However, it could take up to a year before the legislation is fully in place.
Denmark: Ban Set to Take Effect
Danish lawmakers are pushing for a ban on social media platforms for children under 15. The ban could be implemented as early as mid-2026, according to the Associated Press.
France: Protecting Youth Online
French lawmakers passed a bill in late January that would bar children under 15 from using social media. President Emmanuel Macron supports this measure to protect kids from excessive screen time and associated risks.
Germany: A Complicated Proposal
In early February, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz discussed a proposal with his conservative party to ban social media for children under 16. However, there are indications that the center-left coalition partners may oppose this outright ban.
Greece: Addressing Anxiety and Addiction
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced in April that a ban on social media access for kids under 15 would start from January 2027. The move is aimed at tackling rising anxiety, sleep problems, and the addictive nature of social media.
Indonesia: Comprehensive Ban
The Indonesian government has announced plans to restrict social media use among children under 16, starting with platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox. The ban is set to be implemented this year.
Malaysia: Government Takes Action
The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media access for children under 16. The ban will cover major platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox.
Poland: Draft Legislation in Motion
A new bill drafted by Poland’s ruling party aims to prohibit children under 15 from using social media. The legislation is currently being finalized.
Slovenia: Limiting Access
The Slovenian government is working on a law that would restrict access to social networks for children under 15, including platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram.
Spain: Ban on the Way
Spain’s prime minister announced in early February plans to ban social media for children under 16. The legislation still needs parliamentary approval before becoming law.
The UK: A Tentative Step Forward
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 by spring 2027. The ban will cover platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X. Messaging services like WhatsApp and Signal are not included in the ban.
Expert Concerns
While governments push forward with these bans, experts question their effectiveness. Critics argue that blanket bans might be too simplistic and could overlook the realities of younger generations' digital lives.
