Key facts
- Australia banned social media for children under 16, effective December 10, 2025.
- Britain plans to ban social media for under-16s by Spring 2027.
- France's top court blocked a bill banning social media for under-15s.
- The UAE set the minimum age for social media use at 15.
- The U.S. Kids Online Safety Act aims to require social media companies to exercise reasonable care in designing features that contribute to harm to minors.
Countries around the world are enacting or considering measures to restrict children's access to social media platforms due to growing concerns about their impact on mental health and safety. Australia has implemented one of the world's strictest regulations, banning social media for children under 16, with significant penalties for non-compliance.
In Britain, plans are in motion for a similar ban by Spring 2027, alongside requirements for tech firms to prevent the circulation of nude images among minors. China has introduced a 'minor mode' to limit screen time based on age. Denmark plans to ban social media for children under 15, while allowing parental consent for those aged 13 and above. France's highest court, however, blocked a proposed ban for under-15s, citing freedom of expression.
Germany permits minors aged 13 to 16 to use social media with parental consent, though advocates deem these controls insufficient. Greece is reportedly close to announcing a ban for children under 15. India's chief economic adviser has called social media platforms 'predatory' and suggested age restrictions, with the state of Goa also considering similar measures to Australia's. Italy requires parental consent for social media accounts for children under 14.
Malaysia has begun barring individuals under 16 from registering on social media platforms. Norway is proposing to raise the age of consent for social media use to 15, with parents able to provide consent for younger children. Poland is preparing legislation to ban social media for those under 15 and enforce age verification. Slovenia is drafting a law to prohibit social media access for children under 15.
Spain intends to implement new rules for safer social networks and AI, including age verification systems for minors under 16. Sweden's government commission recommended a minimum age of 15 for social media use, with platforms responsible for age verification. Turkey has passed legislation banning social media for children under 15 and introducing new rules for digital platforms. The United Arab Emirates has set the minimum age for social media use at 15, becoming the first Arab country to do so.
In the United States, the Kids Online Safety Act, which requires social media companies to exercise reasonable care in designing features that protect minors, has gained support. This is separate from the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act. The European Union is also seeking stronger protections for children, with plans for a 'Digital Fairness Act' to target addictive and harmful design practices. The European Parliament has called for an EU-wide ban for children under 16 without parental consent and an outright ban for those younger than 13. Major tech platforms generally require users to be at least 13 to sign up, but child protection advocates argue these controls are insufficient.