Global Push to Curb Children's Social Media Access Gains Momentum
Countries worldwide are enacting or considering age limits for social media, with Australia leading the way and France's recent ban blocked.
Governments across the globe are taking steps to regulate children's access to social media, responding to growing concerns about online safety and mental health. The measures range from outright bans to stricter age-verification requirements.
Australia became the first country to implement a nationwide ban, requiring major platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram to block users under 16 starting December 10, 2025. Non-compliance can result in penalties of up to A$49.5 million.
In Europe, several nations are pursuing similar paths. Britain plans to approve a ban for under-16s by Christmas, with enforcement expected around Spring 2027. The UK is also pushing tech firms to implement technical solutions to block nude images for children. Denmark has announced a ban for under-15s, while Greece and Slovenia are close to finalizing their own restrictions. Poland is preparing legislation to hold platforms accountable for age checks.
France's highest court, however, blocked a bill banning social media for under-15s on August 14, ruling it infringed on freedom of expression. The bill had been approved by parliament in July.
Elsewhere, Turkey has passed a law banning social media for children under 15, and the UAE has set the minimum age at 15, becoming the first Arab country to do so. Malaysia has begun barring those under 16 from registering accounts.
In the United States, the Kids Online Safety Act has cleared a key hurdle with bipartisan support, aiming to force companies to design features that minimize harm to minors. Several states have passed parental consent laws, though some face legal challenges.
The European Union is also moving forward. The European Commission plans to target "addictive and harmful design practices" in its upcoming Digital Fairness Act, and the European Parliament has called for an EU-wide ban on access for under-16s without parental consent.
While platforms like TikTok and Facebook require users to be at least 13, advocates argue these controls are insufficient, citing data showing many younger children still have accounts.