From Australia to Europe, countries move to curb children’s social media access

Countries worldwide are enacting measures to regulate children's access to social media as concerns about its impact on their health and safety grow. In December 2025, Australia became the first nation to ban social media for users under 16, with severe penalties for non-compliance. Britain plans to introduce a similar ban by Christmas 2026, with tech companies required to block nude images and implement age verification systems.

China has introduced a "minor mode" program that restricts screen time based on age, while Denmark and Slovenia are also considering bans for children under 15. France's top court blocked a bill limiting social media access for under-15s, citing freedom of expression concerns. Germany requires parental consent for minors aged 13-16 to use social media, but child protection advocates deem the controls inadequate.

Greece is close to enacting a ban for children under 15, and India's chief economic adviser has called for age restrictions, describing social media as "predatory." Italy requires parental consent for users under 14, while Malaysia has banned users under 16 from registering on social media platforms. New Zealand's prime minister proposes a ban for children under 16, with penalties for non-compliance.

Norway proposed raising the consent age for social media to 15, while Poland's ruling party prepares legislation to ban social media for children under 15. Slovenia is drafting a law restricting access for children under 15. Spain is set to push forward with rules to protect social networks and AI, despite industry lobbying. Sweden's government recommends a minimum age of 15 for social media use.

Turkey banned children under 15 from using social media and introduced new rules for digital platforms. The UAE approved a resolution setting the minimum age for social media use at 15, prohibiting children under 15 from creating accounts. In the US, legislation aimed at making social media companies more responsible for children's safety cleared a key political hurdle.

Several US states have also passed laws requiring parental consent for minors to access social media.