Countries announce social media bans for children and teens
15 reported
According to a TechCrunch report, multiple countries have announced plans to restrict social media access for children and teens, with Australia becoming the first to implement such measures in December 2025. France is the latest country to announce a ban, passing a law on July 21 that prohibits social media for anyone under 15. The regulations aim to reduce risks including cyberbullying, addiction, mental health issues, and exposure to predators. Critics, including Amnesty Tech, have said such bans are ineffective and ignore the realities of younger generations. The report lists 13 countries that are considering or have already moved forward with bans on social media for young users.
What’s reported
Australia banned social media for children under 16 in December 2025, blocking platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, Twitch, and Kick, but not WhatsApp or YouTube Kids.
Non-compliant companies face penalties of up to $49.5 million AUD ($34.4 million USD).
Austria said in late March it will ban social media for children up to age 14, with draft legislation expected by June.
Canada introduced a digital safety bill in early June banning social media for children under 16, with a possible one-year passage timeline.
Denmark is set to ban social media for children under 15, with support from three governing coalition parties and two opposition parties; law could pass as soon as mid-2026.
France passed a law on July 21 banning social media for anyone under 15, effective as soon as September 1, and will also ban cellphones in high schools.
Germany discussed a proposal in early February to bar children under 16 from social media, but coalition partners were hesitant.
Greece announced in April a ban for children under 15 starting January 2027.
Indonesia said in early March it is banning children under 16 from social media, starting with platforms including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox.
Malaysia said in November 2025 it plans to ban social media for children under 16 this year.
Poland’s ruling party is drafting legislation to ban children under 15 from social media.
Slovenia is drafting legislation to prohibit children under 15 from accessing social media, citing TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram.
Spain announced in early February plans to ban social media for children under 16, pending parliamentary approval.
Turkey’s parliament passed a bill in April to restrict social media for children under 15, awaiting presidential approval.
UK prime minister Keir Starmer announced on June 15 a ban on social media for children under 16, excluding WhatsApp and Signal, with AI romantic companion chatbots limited to users over 18; ban could be in place by spring 2027.
Key figures
Friedrich Merz, German Chancellor
Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Greek prime minister
Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkish president
Keir Starmer, UK prime minister
Amnesty Tech (critic organization)
Sources: TechCrunch
