These are countries that ban social media for children

In recent 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. France is now the latest country to announce such a measure.

Regulations and proposals put forward by governments around the world aim to reduce the pressures and risks young users may face on social media, including cyberbullying, addiction, mental health issues 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.

Austria

In late March, Austria said it would do so ban social media For children up to 14 years old. The draft law on the ban is expected to be finalized by June.

Canada

Government of Canada introduced a digital security bill In early June, it will ban social media for children under 16. Under the law, social media giants can avoid the ban if they demonstrate they have policies in place to protect young users. Officials said the bill could take a year to pass.

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

France adopted the law on July 21 prohibits access Social media for anyone under 15. The law may enter into force on September 1. The law would also ban the use of cellphones in secondary schools, expanding the ban already in place in elementary and middle schools.

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 in April that the country would leave 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.

Poland

Poland’s ruling party is preparing a new bill Prohibition on children under 15 years of age Bloomberg stopped using social media in February.

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.

Turkey

Turkish parliament in April passed the bill Restrict access to social networks for children under 15 years of age. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan must pass the bill now for the law to come into effect.

Great Britain

UK Prime Minister Key Starmer announced On June 15, his government will ban the use of social media for children under the age of 16. The ban will apply to a number of social media platforms such as Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X.

Messaging services such as WhatsApp and Signal will not be included in the ban. AI tools will also have restrictions, as AI “romantic companion” chatbots will have to ensure they can only be used by people over 18.

Experts questioned whether a general ban would be effective. Starmer acknowledged the challenges, but said he believed it could be implemented. He said the ban could be in place until spring 2027.

This story was originally published in February 2026 and is regularly updated with new information.