These are the countries moving to ban social media for children

Countries across the globe are increasingly taking action to limit children's access to social media, marking a significant shift in how governments approach digital safety. France has joined Australia, Canada, Denmark, Greece, Indonesia, Malaysia, and others in proposing or implementing bans on social media usage for minors. These measures are designed to address growing concerns over the impact of online platforms on youth mental health, privacy, and overall well-being. Australia was the first nation to enforce such restrictions, introducing a comprehensive ban on social media for children under 16 in December 2025. This policy prohibits access to major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, Twitch, and Kick, while excluding services like WhatsApp and YouTube Kids. The Australian government mandated that social media companies must implement robust age verification systems to prevent underage access. Non-compliance could result in fines of up to $49.5 million AUD ($34.4 million USD). The requirement for multi-factor verification aims to ensure that users accurately represent their age, rather than relying solely on self-reported data. Austria followed suit, announcing its plan to ban social media for children under 14. A draft law is expected to be completed by June, signaling the country’s intent to align with similar regulatory efforts. In Canada, a digital safety bill was introduced in early June, proposing a ban on social media for children under 16. The legislation allows social media companies to avoid the restriction if they can prove they have adequate safeguards in place. However, the bill may require up to a year to pass through legislative processes. Denmark is preparing to implement its own ban, targeting children under 15. The Danish government confirmed in November 2025 that it had gained cross-party support for the measure, with potential enactment as early as mid-2026. The country is also developing a “digital evidence” app that incorporates age verification tools, potentially aiding enforcement of the new rules. France enacted its law on July 21, prohibiting social media access for individuals under 15. The regulation is set to begin in September, coinciding with broader educational reforms that include a ban on phone use in high schools. This extends existing restrictions already in place in primary and secondary education settings. Germany has been discussing similar proposals, with conservative leaders suggesting a ban on social media for children under 16. However, there appears to be hesitation within the center-left coalition partners, indicating potential challenges in achieving consensus. Greece, led by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, announced in April that it plans to ban social media for children under 15 beginning in January 2027. The initiative is framed as a response to increasing reports of anxiety and sleep disturbances linked to prolonged screen time, alongside the addictive nature of platform designs. Indonesia has also moved forward, announcing in early March that it intends to restrict social media access for children under 16. The initial phase of the ban will target platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox. Meanwhile, Malaysia revealed in November 2025 that it plans to introduce a similar restriction, though specific implementation dates remain pending. These developments reflect a global trend toward stricter oversight of digital spaces, driven by public concern over the influence of social media on vulnerable populations. While critics argue that such bans may be impractical or ineffective, the momentum behind these policies suggests that governments are prioritizing the protection of young users in an increasingly connected world. As more countries consider or enact these measures, the long-term implications for both technology companies and young users will continue to evolve.