Key facts
- Australia banned social media for under-16s, effective December 10, 2025.
- Britain plans to ban social media for under-16s by Christmas, effective Spring 2027.
- Meta will pay up to $18 billion to resolve claims of addicting young users.
- France's top court blocked a ban on social media for under-15s.
- New Zealand proposed fines of up to 10% of global revenue for non-compliant platforms.
Countries worldwide are implementing or considering measures to restrict children's access to social media amid growing concerns about mental health and safety. Australia has enacted the world's first ban for those under 16, set to take effect in December 2025, with significant penalties for non-compliance. Britain plans a similar ban for under-16s by Spring 2027, including measures to block nude images.
Meta has agreed to pay up to $18 billion to settle claims that its platforms, Facebook and Instagram, are designed to addict young users. This settlement comes as many nations grapple with how to regulate tech giants.
Other countries have introduced varying levels of restrictions. China employs a 'minor mode' with screen time limits. Denmark and Greece are moving towards bans for under-15s, while Germany and Norway allow use with parental consent or have proposed raising the age of consent. France's top court, however, blocked a ban for under-15s, citing freedom of expression.
Italy requires parental consent for under-14s, and Malaysia has begun barring under-16s from creating accounts. New Zealand is proposing a ban for under-16s with substantial fines. Poland and Slovenia are drafting laws to prohibit access for under-15s, and Sweden recommended a minimum age of 15. Turkey has passed legislation banning use for under-15s, and the UAE set its minimum age at 15.
In the United States, Senator Ted Cruz supports the Kids Online Safety Act, which aims to compel social media companies to exercise reasonable care in their designs. The European Union is also planning stronger protections for children through its Digital Fairness Act, following a European Parliament resolution calling for an EU-wide ban for under-16s without parental consent.