Over the previous few months, many international locations have introduced plans to limit youngsters and adolescents’ entry to social media. Australia first launched such measures late final 12 months, setting a precedent that different international locations are actually watching carefully.
Australia’s rules, like proposals in different international locations, purpose to scale back the pressures and dangers younger individuals can face on social media, together with cyberbullying, dependancy, psychological well being points and make contact with with predators.
After all, there are additionally privateness considerations, akin to invasive age verification and extreme authorities intervention. together with critics, amnesty techmentioned such bans are ineffective and ignore the realities of younger individuals. However, many international locations are continuing with laws.
We have compiled a listing of nations which are contemplating or have already carried out bans on social media for younger individuals.
Australia
Australia grew to become the primary nation on this planet. ban social media The ban prevents youngsters from utilizing Fb, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, Twitch, and Kick. Notably, WhatsApp and YouTube Children are usually not included.
The Australian authorities mentioned these social media corporations should take steps to maintain youngsters away from their providers. Companies that fail to conform might be topic to fines of as much as AU$49.5 million (US$34.4 million).
The federal government says these platforms should use a number of authentication strategies to make sure that customers of their providers are over 16 years outdated. It additionally factors out that it’s not dependable if customers simply enter their age.
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Denmark
Denmark is set to prohibited The Danish authorities introduced in November 2025 that it had secured help for the ban from three ruling events and two opposition events in parliament.
In keeping with the Related Press, the federal government’s plan might be handed as early as mid-2026. Denmark’s Digital Ministry has additionally launched a “digital proof” app that features an age verification device that can be utilized as a part of the ban.
France
In late January, French lawmakers passed the bill President Emmanuel Macron helps the measure as a method to shield youngsters from extreme display time.
The invoice should cross the Senate earlier than a ultimate vote within the Home.
Germany
In early February, German conservatives led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz Proposal to the bar In keeping with Reuters, youngsters below the age of 16 are prohibited from utilizing social media. However there have been indicators that his centre-left coalition companions have been hesitant to help a complete ban.
Greece
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis introduced in April that his nation: Ban access to social media Mitsotakis mentioned the transfer goals to handle rising nervousness and sleep issues amongst youngsters, in addition to the addictive design of social media.
Indonesia
Indonesia acknowledged in early March: Prohibit entry of children under 16 years old Prohibits use of social media and different fashionable on-line platforms. The nation plans to start out with platforms akin to YouTube, TikTok, Fb, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Stay, and Roblox.
Malaysia
In November 2025, the Malaysian authorities will ban social media The nation plans to implement the ban this 12 months.
Slovenia
Slovenia is drafting a bill Kids below the age of 15 will probably be banned from accessing social media, the nation’s deputy prime minister introduced in early February. The federal government desires to manage social networks on which content material is shared, citing platforms akin to TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram.
Spain
The Spanish Prime Minister introduced in early February that: planning to ban Social Media for Kids Below 16. The ban nonetheless requires parliamentary approval. The Spanish authorities can be searching for to cross laws that might make social media executives personally accountable for hate speech on their platforms.
England
Britain is consider banning The federal government has mentioned it’ll seek the advice of with mother and father, younger individuals and civil society to find out whether or not the ban is efficient.
It should additionally think about whether or not to require social media corporations to restrict or take away options that encourage compulsive use, akin to infinite scrolling.
This story was initially printed in February 2026 and is up to date frequently with new info.
