Worldwide, governments are taking unprecedented measures to shield young people from identified risks in the digital space. Following Australia’s groundbreaking move, several nations are grappling with the challenges posed by social media on the mental and physical well‐being of minors.
Australia Sets The Benchmark
In December 2025, Australia became the first country to enforce a nationwide social media ban for children under 16. The regulation restricts access to major platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, Twitch and Kick. Messaging services such as WhatsApp and YouTube Kids are excluded from the policy. Authorities require companies to apply strong age-verification systems rather than self-reported data, with fines reaching up to AUD 49.5 million, or approximately USD 34.4 million, for violations.
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Denmark’s Upcoming Legislation
Denmark is preparing legislation that would ban social media access for users under 15. Announced in November 2025, the initiative is backed by both governing and opposition parties and could become law by mid-2026. At the same time, the Ministry of Digital Affairs is developing a digital identity application that incorporates age-verification tools to support enforcement.
France’s Legislative Move
French lawmakers approved a bill in late January 2026 aimed at reducing excessive screen time by restricting social media access for children under 15. Supported by President Emmanuel Macron, the measure is awaiting final Senate deliberation before a concluding vote in the lower chamber.
Debate In Germany
Recent discussions among German conservative leaders, including Chancellor Friedrich Merz, have explored proposals to limit social media use for children under 16. However, resistance from center-left coalition partners suggests that achieving consensus on a full ban remains uncertain.
Greece’s Imminent Announcement
Reports from early February indicate that Greece is close to announcing restrictions on social media access for children under 15. As officials finalize the proposal, policymakers and industry representatives are closely monitoring the potential economic and social implications.
Malaysia’s Bold Proposal
In November 2025, the Malaysian government declared its intention to prohibit social media use for individuals under 16, with enforcement expected to begin within the year. The move reflects a broader global shift toward tighter digital regulation designed to safeguard younger audiences.
Slovenia’s Draft Legislation
Slovenia is drafting legislation that would restrict social media access for children under 15. Announced by the country’s deputy prime minister in early February, the proposal specifically targets high-engagement platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram, where user-generated content dominates.
Spain’s Policy Initiative
Spain’s prime minister confirmed plans in early February to introduce a social media ban for minors under 16, subject to parliamentary approval. In parallel, the government is evaluating policies that could hold social media executives personally responsible for the spread of hate speech on their platforms, linking content moderation with executive accountability.
The United Kingdom’s Deliberation
The United Kingdom is reviewing the possibility of implementing restrictions on social media use for individuals under 16. The government has initiated a consultation process involving parents, young users and civil society organizations. Officials are also considering tighter controls on platform features such as endless scrolling, which researchers associate with compulsive behavior.
As these regulatory approaches continue to develop, the global debate remains active. Governments are weighing the responsibility to protect children against concerns related to privacy, digital rights and potential government overreach, shaping the future direction of social media policy worldwide.
