Over the past several months, many countries have announced plans to restrict social media access for children and teens. Australia became the first to implement such measures in December 2025, setting a precedent that other nations are now closely following.

The regulations aim to reduce pressures and risks young users may face on social media platforms like cyberbullying, addiction, mental health issues, and exposure to predators. However, there are concerns about privacy and excessive government intervention. Critics argue such bans are ineffective and ignore the realities of younger generations.

Several countries have already moved forward with proposed legislation. Austria will ban social media for children up to 14 years old from June 2026. Denmark is set to ban platforms for children under 15, while France passed a bill that would ban kids under 15 from using social media.

Germany and Greece are considering bans, with Germany’s center-left coalition hesitant to support an outright ban. Indonesia, Malaysia, Poland, Slovenia, Spain, and Turkey have also announced plans or are drafting legislation for similar measures.

The United Kingdom is weighing a ban on social media for children under 16, consulting parents, young people, and civil society for their views before a final decision.