Governments across multiple regions are introducing new restrictions on social media use by children and teenagers, as concerns over cyberbullying, excessive screen time, mental health and online safety continue to shape policy decisions.
Australia Sets The Precedent
Australia became the first country to adopt a nationwide ban on social media use for individuals under the age of 16, with the measure set to take effect in December 2025. The regulation applies to major platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Reddit and Twitch. Companies will be required to implement multi-layered age verification systems that go beyond self-declared data. Non-compliance could result in penalties of up to $49.5 million AUD, making enforcement a central component of the policy.
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European And Asian Regulatory Movements
Several European countries are moving in a similar direction, though with varying thresholds. Austria and Denmark are considering restrictions for users under 14 and 15, respectively. In France, lawmakers have approved legislation limiting access for children under 15, a move supported by President Emmanuel Macron as part of efforts to address excessive screen time.
Divergent Approaches In Germany And Beyond
In Germany, proposals backed by conservative policymakers suggest restricting access for users under 16, though coalition partners remain divided on implementation. In Southeast Asia, Indonesia and Malaysia have outlined plans to introduce similar limits, targeting widely used platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. Parallel discussions are underway in Poland and Slovenia, where policymakers are considering additional safeguards for younger users.
Legislative Movements In Southern Europe And The Middle East
Greece plans to introduce a ban for users under 15 starting in January 2027, according to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who linked the measure to rising anxiety and sleep-related issues among young people. Spain is considering similar restrictions for users under 16 and is also evaluating stronger accountability measures for platform operators. In Turkey, parliament has approved a bill targeting users under 15, pending presidential approval.
Consultative Process In The United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is assessing a potential ban for users under 16. Authorities are consulting parents, young people and civil society groups, while also considering whether platforms should limit features designed to increase user engagement.
Debate And Industry Response
Critics, including Amnesty Tech, argue that strict age verification measures may raise privacy concerns and fail to address the complexity of young users’ online behavior. Despite these concerns, governments continue to advance regulation, signalling a broader shift toward tighter oversight of social media access for minors.
