Countries move to restrict social media access for children
15 reported3 unconfirmed
A growing number of countries are implementing or considering bans on social media for children and teens, according to a TechCrunch report published June 11, 2026. Australia became the first country to enact such a ban in December 2025, blocking children under 16 from platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X. Other nations, including Austria, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Indonesia, Malaysia, Poland, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, and the United Kingdom, have announced proposals or passed legislation with varying age limits and timelines. The measures aim to reduce risks such as 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. Concerns have also been raised about privacy regarding invasive age verification and excessive government intervention. The report notes that this is a single-source story and has not been cross-referenced with other outlets.
What’s reported
Australia banned social media for children under 16 in December 2025, blocking Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, Twitch, and Kick, but not WhatsApp or YouTube Kids.
Companies that fail to comply with Australia’s ban may face penalties 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 June that would ban social media for children under 16, with a possible one-year passage timeline.
Denmark announced in November 2025 it will ban social media for children under 15, with support from three governing coalition parties and two opposition parties; law could pass by mid-2026.
France passed a bill in late January banning social media for kids under 15, pending Senate approval.
Germany discussed a proposal in early February to bar children under 16, 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 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 is drafting legislation to ban children under 15 from social media, reported in February.
Slovenia is drafting legislation to prohibit children under 15 from accessing social media, announced in early February.
Spain announced in early February plans to ban social media for children under 16, pending parliamentary approval.
Turkey passed a bill in April to restrict social media for children under 15, awaiting presidential approval.
The UK is weighing a ban for children under 16 and will consult parents, young people, and civil society.
Open questions
The exact timeline for implementation in several countries, including Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, and the UK.
Whether Germany’s coalition partners will support an outright ban.
The specific age verification methods that will be used.
Key figures
Emmanuel Macron, President of France
Friedrich Merz, German Chancellor
Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Greek prime minister
Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkish president
Amnesty Tech (organization cited as critic)
Sources: TechCrunch
