Australia in December became the world's first country to ban social media for children under 16, blocking them from platforms including TikTok, Alphabet's YouTube, and Meta's Instagram and Facebook. This landmark law forced major social media platforms to block minors under 16 from December 10, 2025, one of the toughest regulations targeting major tech platforms. Companies that fail to comply could face penalties of up to A$49.5 million ($34.9 million).
Global Responses to Children's Social Media Use
Below is a summary of what countries and companies are doing to regulate access to social media amid mounting concerns over the impact of social media on children's health and safety.
Australia
Australia's law is one of the world's strongest, requiring platforms to block under-16s or face significant fines.
Britain
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to announce a ban on harmful online platforms for children under 16 while maintaining access to safer forms of social media, as reported by The Times on June 8. Starmer decided to proceed after speaking to bereaved parents and considering evidence from Australia.
China
China's cyberspace regulator has implemented a minor mode programme with device-level restrictions and app-specific rules to limit screen time based on age.
Denmark
Denmark announced in November it would ban social media for children under 15, though parents could provide access to certain platforms for children aged 13 and above.
France
France's National Assembly approved legislation in January to ban children under 15 from social media, citing online bullying and mental health risks. The bill awaits Senate approval.
Germany
Minors aged 13 to 16 may use social media only with parental consent. Child protection advocates consider these controls insufficient.
Greece
Greece is very close to announcing a social media ban for children under 15, a senior government source told Reuters on February 3.
India
India's chief economic adviser called for age restrictions on social media platforms in January, describing them as predatory. The tourist state of Goa is weighing restrictions similar to Australia's.
Italy
Children under 14 need parental consent to sign up for social media accounts; no consent is required above that age.
Malaysia
Malaysia began barring those under 16 from registering on social media platforms from June 1, its communications regulator said.
Norway
Norway proposed raising the age of consent for social media use to 15 from 13 in 2024, with parents able to sign off for younger children. Legislation for an absolute minimum age of 15 is underway.
Poland
Poland's ruling party is preparing legislation to ban social media for children under 15 and hold platforms responsible for age verification, announced on February 27.
Slovenia
Slovenia is drafting a law to prohibit children under 15 from accessing social media, Deputy Prime Minister Matej Arcon said on February 6.
Spain
Spain plans to push ahead with rules to make social networks and AI safer despite tech industry lobbying, Digital Transformation Minister Oscar Lopez said in May. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced in February a ban on social media for minors under 16, requiring age verification systems.
Sweden
A government-appointed commission recommended on June 2 that Sweden introduce a minimum age of 15 for social media use, with platforms responsible for age verification.
United States
US legislation to force social media companies to protect children cleared a key hurdle after Republican Senator Ted Cruz said on May 12 he would support the Kids Online Safety Act. The bill requires companies to exercise reasonable care in designing features that harm minors. Several states have passed laws requiring parental consent for minors' social media access, but these face court challenges on free speech grounds.
EU Legislation
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on May 12 that the EU would seek stronger protections for children from harmful social media features. The Commission will target addictive and harmful design practices in its Digital Fairness Act. The European Parliament in November passed a resolution calling for an EU-wide ban on access for children under 16 to online platforms without parental consent, and an outright ban for those under 13.
Tech Industry
Social media platforms including TikTok, Facebook, and Snapchat require users to be at least 13 to sign up. Child protection advocates say these controls are insufficient, with official data in several European countries showing large numbers of children under 13 having social media accounts.
