Over the past year, several countries have announced plans to restrict social media access for children and teens. Australia was the first to implement such measures in December 2025, setting a precedent that other countries are now closely watching. France is the latest country to announce a ban on social media for children under 15.
The regulations and proposals being brought forth by governments around the world aim to reduce the pressures and risks that young users may face on social media, including cyberbullying, addiction, mental health issues, and exposure to predators. However, critics have raised concerns about privacy regarding invasive age verification and excessive government intervention.
Australia's Social Media Ban for Children Under 16
Australia became the world’s first country to ban social media for children under 16 in December 2025. The ban blocks children from using Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, Twitch, and Kick. Notably, it doesn’t include WhatsApp or YouTube Kids.
The Australian government has said these social media companies must take steps to keep children off their services. Companies that fail to comply may face penalties of up to $49.5 million AUD ($34.4 million USD). The government emphasizes the need for multiple verification methods to ensure users are older than 16, as relying solely on user-provided age information is not sufficient.
European Countries Join the Ban Movement
Austria announced in late March that it will ban social media for children up to the age of 14. Draft legislation for the ban is expected to be finalized by June. The Canadian government introduced a digital safety bill in early June, which would ban social media for children under 16.
Under this legislation, social media giants could potentially sidestep the ban if they demonstrate policies to protect young users. Officials estimate it may take a year for the bill to pass. Denmark is set to ban social media platforms for children under 15, with the Danish government announcing in November 2025 that it had secured support from three governing coalition parties and two opposition parties in parliament.
Other Countries Follow Suit
France passed a law on July 21 banning access to social media for anyone under 15. The law could go into effect as soon as September 1. The law will also ban the use of cellphones in high schools, extending a ban already present in primary and middle schools.
In early February, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s conservatives discussed a proposal to bar children under 16 from using social media. However, there were signs that his center-left coalition partners were hesitant to support an outright ban. Greek prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced in April that the country is going to ban access to social media for children under 15 starting January 2027.
Conclusion
Countries around the world are implementing or proposing bans on social media access for young users, citing risks and pressures associated with their use. The regulations aim to reduce cyberbullying, addiction, mental health issues, and exposure to predators. While there are concerns about privacy and excessive government intervention, many nations are moving ahead with proposed legislation.
Source: Original article