Australia, Poland, Brazil... which countries are moving towards banning social networks for minors?

In Australia, the effectiveness of a law banning social media access for minors under 15 years old has come under scrutiny. The legislation, known as the Social Media Minimum Age Act, was enacted in December 2025 and requires major platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat to prevent users under 16 from creating accounts. The measure aims to protect young users from potential harms linked to online exposure, including mental health issues, cyberbullying, and exposure to inappropriate content. However, recent studies suggest that the policy may not fully achieve its intended goals. The law mandates age verification systems to ensure compliance, with platforms required to implement tools that accurately determine the user’s age before allowing account creation. Despite these measures, data collected over several months indicates that many underage users continue to bypass the system through fake identities or by using adult credentials. A study published in the British Medical Journal highlights that while the law has reduced the number of new accounts created by minors, enforcement remains inconsistent, and loopholes persist. This Australian experience is being closely watched by other countries considering similar laws, particularly France, which became the first European nation to impose such restrictions. In July 2026, France passed a law prohibiting minors under 15 from accessing social media platforms, effective September of that year. The French legislation allows for gradual implementation, giving platforms four months to verify the age of all existing users. Unlike the Australian model, however, France does not currently plan to impose penalties on parents or children who fail to comply, though fines could be levied against platforms found non-compliant. Other nations are also exploring similar policies. Brazil announced in March 2026 that it would require platforms to link accounts of users under 16 to their parents' profiles, aiming to increase parental oversight. Meanwhile, Nigeria has initiated public consultations to draft regulations limiting access to social media for minors. In the United States, states like Florida and Utah have already implemented local restrictions, showing that the issue is gaining traction beyond Europe. In Europe, the European Commission has proposed guidelines to standardize age verification mechanisms across member states, but national governments retain primary authority over implementing such rules. Spain, Denmark, and Slovenia have all introduced or are planning legislation to restrict minors’ access to social media. These efforts reflect growing concerns about the impact of digital platforms on youth well-being, especially amid rising reports of anxiety, depression, and addiction among teenagers. Critics argue that while legal barriers can reduce direct access, they may not address deeper behavioral patterns or the broader cultural influence of social media. Some experts suggest that more comprehensive strategies, such as education, improved parental controls, and platform accountability, are necessary to mitigate risks effectively. Others warn that overly strict measures could push younger users toward less regulated platforms or encourage them to create multiple accounts to circumvent restrictions. As the debate continues, the outcomes of the Australian experiment will likely shape future legislative approaches. With ongoing research and evolving technology, policymakers face the challenge of balancing protection with practicality. For now, the focus remains on monitoring the long-term effects of the law and assessing whether it leads to meaningful improvements in youth safety and mental health.