Over the months, many countries have announced plans to restrict social media access for children and teens. Australia became the world’s first country to ban social media for children under 16 in December 2025, setting a precedent that other nations are now closely watching.

The regulations implemented by Australia aim to reduce pressures and risks young users may face on social media, such as cyberbullying, addiction, mental health issues, and exposure to predators. However, there are concerns about privacy regarding invasive age verification measures and excessive government intervention.

Other countries are also moving ahead with proposed legislation. Austria will ban social media for children up to the age of 14; Canada is introducing a digital safety bill that would ban social media for children under 16; Denmark plans to ban social media platforms for children under 15, and France has passed a bill that would ban kids under 15 from using social media. Each country’s approach varies in timing and implementation.

The UK is considering a ban on social media for children under 16, consulting parents, young people, and civil society to determine its effectiveness. Poland, Slovenia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Greece, Turkey, and other nations are also drafting similar legislation to restrict or prohibit access to social media among minors.

Despite these measures, critics argue that such bans might not be effective in addressing the complex issues faced by young internet users and instead may ignore the realities of digital life for this generation. The debate continues as governments grapple with balancing parental concerns over online safety while respecting children's rights to access information and communication.