More Countries Move For Under-18 Social Media Bans

A growing number of countries are implementing or advancing legislation to restrict children’s access to social media, driven by concerns over cyberbullying, addiction, mental health impacts, and exposure to harmful content. Australia led the charge as the first nation to enforce a nationwide ban for users under 16, effective December 2025, and its approach has inspired similar moves worldwide.

In Europe, momentum is building rapidly. Denmark secured cross-party support in November 2025 for a ban on social media for under-15s, potentially becoming law by mid-2026, backed by a planned “digital evidence” app for age checks. France’s National Assembly approved a similar under-15 ban in late January 2026, with President Emmanuel Macron pushing for fast-tracking; it now awaits Senate approval and could take effect by the next school year. Other nations include Germany, where conservatives proposed an under-16 restriction in February (though coalition support wavers), Greece nearing an under-15 announcement, and Slovenia drafting legislation for under-15s on platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram.

In Asia, Indonesia announced plans in early March 2026 to bar under-16s from YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox. Malaysia aims to implement an under-16 ban this year, following its November 2025 declaration. Spain’s prime minister announced an under-16 prohibition in February, pending parliamentary approval, alongside measures holding executives accountable for hate speech.

The United Kingdom is consulting on an under-16 ban and potential limits on addictive features like endless scrolling. Critics, including privacy advocates, warn of invasive age verification, government overreach, and potential ineffectiveness, arguing bans overlook young people’s digital realities.