Over the past few months, many countries have announced plans to restrict access to social media for children and teenagers. Australia was the first implementation of such measures late last year, setting a precedent that other countries are now closely following.
Australia’s rules, along with proposals from other countries, aim to reduce the pressures and risks young users may face on social media, including cyberbullying, drug addiction, mental health problems and predators.
Of course, there are privacy concerns about invasive age verification and excessive government intrusion. Critics, including Amnesty Techthey said that such bans are ineffective and ignore the realities of the younger generations. Despite this, many states are moving forward with the proposed legislation.
We’ve compiled a list of countries that are considering or have already moved forward with bans on social media for young users.
Australia
Australia became the first country in the world ban social media For children under 16 in December 2025. The ban prevents children from using Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, Twitch and Kick. It specifically does not include WhatsApp or YouTube Kids.
The Australian government said these social media companies should take steps to remove children from their services. Companies that do not comply face fines of AUD 49.5 million (US$34.4 million).
The government says these platforms must use multiple verification methods to ensure users are over 16. He also points out that they can’t just trust users within their own age group.
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Denmark
It is Denmark to prohibit Social media platforms for children under 15 years of age. The Danish government announced in November 2025 that it had received support for a ban from three ruling coalition parties and two opposition parties in parliament.
According to the Associated Press, the government’s plans could become law in mid-2026. Denmark’s Ministry of Digital Affairs is also launching a “digital proof” app that includes age verification tools that can be used as part of the ban.
France
French lawmakers in late January passed the bill It will ban social media for children under 15. President Emmanuel Macron has backed the measure to protect children from excessive screen time.
The bill must still pass the country’s Senate before a final vote in the lower house.
Germany
At the beginning of February, German chancellor Friedrich Merz’s conservatives a suggestion about Reuters reports that children under the age of 16 use social media. However, there were signs that his centre-left coalition partners were hesitant to support an outright ban.
Greece
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced that he would visit the country in April ban access to social media For children under 15 years of age starting January 2027. Mitsotakis says the move aims to address growing anxiety and sleep problems among children, as well as the addictive design of social media.
Indonesia
Indonesia said in early March that this was the case Prohibition of children under 16 years of age from using social media and other popular online platforms. The country plans to launch with platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live and Roblox.
Malaysia
The Malaysian government has said it plans to do so in November 2025 ban social media For children under 16 years of age. The country plans to implement the ban this year.
Slovenia
It is Slovenia preparation of the draft law In early February, the country’s deputy prime minister announced that children under 15 years of age will be banned from accessing social media. The government wants to regulate social networks where content is shared, citing platforms like TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram.
Spain
The Prime Minister of Spain announced the country in early February plans to ban Social media for children under 16 years of age. The ban still needs parliamentary approval. The Spanish government is also trying to create a law that would make social media executives personally liable for hate speech on their platforms.
Great Britain
It is the United Kingdom prohibitive weight On social media for children under 16 years of age. The government says it will consult with parents, young people and civil society to determine whether the ban is effective.
It will also consider whether to require social media companies to limit or remove features that lead to compulsive use, such as infinite scrolling.
