From Australia to Europe and Southeast Asia, governments are exploring strict age limits to curb online risks for children.
Governments around the world are increasingly moving to restrict children’s access to social media, citing concerns about cyberbullying, addiction, mental health issues, and online predators.
Australia ignited the trend in December 2025, becoming the first country to ban social media use for children under 16. Since then, a wave of governments across Europe and Asia have proposed similar measures.
Supporters say the rules protect vulnerable young users. Critics argue they could introduce privacy risks through aggressive age verification systems and limit children’s access to digital spaces.
Still, the momentum is growing.
Australia: The First Country to Implement a Ban
Australia set the global precedent.
The country’s law prohibits children under 16 from accessing major social media platforms, including:
- Snapchat
- Threads
- TikTok
- X
- YouTube
- Twitch
- Kick
Notably, WhatsApp and YouTube Kids are exempt.
Companies must implement robust age verification systems, rather than relying on users simply entering their birthdates.
Non-compliance could cost companies up to $49.5 million AUD ($34.4 million) in penalties.
Europe: Multiple Countries Exploring Restrictions
Several European governments are considering or advancing similar legislation.
Denmark
The government plans to ban social media for users under 15, with legislation potentially passing by mid-2026. Denmark is also developing a digital identity app that could include age verification tools.
France
French lawmakers approved a bill in January 2026 banning social media for children under 15. The legislation still requires approval from the Senate before becoming law.
Germany
Germany’s conservative leadership has floated a proposal to restrict social media for under-16 users, though coalition partners remain cautious about a full ban.
Greece
The country is reportedly close to introducing a social media ban for children under 15, though details remain limited.
Slovenia
Officials are drafting legislation to block under-15 users from platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram.
Spain
Spain’s government is pushing a proposal to ban social media for under-16 users, while also considering rules that could hold social media executives personally responsible for hate speech.
United Kingdom
The UK is exploring the idea of banning social media for under-16 users, though officials say consultations with parents, youth groups, and civil society will determine the final approach.
Regulators are also considering restrictions on addictive platform features like endless scrolling.
Southeast Asia: Rising Interest in Youth Restrictions
Several Southeast Asian countries are also tightening rules.
Indonesia
Indonesia plans to restrict access to high-risk platforms—including YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Threads, X, and Roblox—for users under 16.
Malaysia
Malaysia has announced plans to ban social media for children under 16, with implementation expected soon.
The Debate: Safety vs. Digital Rights
The push to regulate youth access reflects mounting pressure on Big Tech platforms.
Supporters argue the measures address serious risks for young users, including:
- Mental health impacts
- Cyberbullying
- Exposure to predators
- Addictive algorithms
However, critics—including Amnesty Tech—warn that blanket bans may miss the realities of how young people use the internet.
They also raise concerns about:
- Privacy risks from age verification systems
- Government overreach
- Unequal enforcement across digital platforms
A Global Policy Experiment
Despite the debate, governments appear determined to test new approaches.
What began as a single law in Australia is quickly turning into a worldwide policy experiment.
The central question now is whether strict age restrictions will actually make the internet safer for children—or simply push them toward less regulated corners of the web.
TL;DR:
Countries worldwide are moving to ban or restrict social media for children, led by Australia’s under-16 ban. Nations including Denmark, France, Spain, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the UK are considering similar laws, aiming to address online safety risks while facing criticism over privacy and enforcement challenges.
AI Summary:
- Australia introduced the world’s first under-16 social media ban.
- Several countries across Europe and Southeast Asia are exploring similar restrictions.
- Proposed age limits typically range between 15 and 16 years old.
- Governments cite mental health and safety concerns for minors.
- Critics warn about privacy risks and enforcement challenges.
