A Global Push to Protect Kids Online
Over the past year, a wave of legislation has swept across the globe targeting one specific issue: how young is too young for social media? Australia was the first to draw a hard line in December 2025, banning children under 16 from platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and even YouTube. Now, a dozen other nations are following suit — or at least trying to.
France is the latest to join the movement, passing a law in July 2026 that blocks access to social media for anyone under 15. The law, which could take effect as soon as September 1, also bans cell phones in high schools, extending an existing restriction in primary and middle schools.
But not everyone is cheering. Critics, including Amnesty Tech, argue that blanket bans are ineffective and ignore how deeply embedded these platforms are in young people’s lives. Privacy concerns over age verification methods also linger. Still, governments are pressing ahead.
Australia: The Trailblazer
Australia became the world’s first country to implement a social media ban for children under 16 in December 2025. The law blocks minors from using Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, Twitch, and Kick. Notably, WhatsApp and YouTube Kids are exempt.
The Australian government has made it clear: platforms must take active steps to keep under-16s off their services. Companies that fail to comply face penalties up to $49.5 million AUD ($34.4 million USD). The law also requires platforms to use multiple age-verification methods — not just self-reported birth dates.
Europe Leads the Charge
France isn’t alone in tightening the screws. Across Europe, several countries are drafting or passing similar restrictions.
France
As mentioned, France’s law targets users under 15. It’s part of a broader digital safety push that includes banning phones in high schools. The law is expected to come into force on September 1, 2026.
Germany
In early February 2026, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s conservatives proposed barring children under 16 from social media. But Reuters reported that his center-left coalition partners are hesitant to support an outright ban, so the outcome remains uncertain.
Greece
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced in April 2026 that Greece will ban social media for children under 15 starting January 2027. The move aims to tackle rising anxiety, sleep problems, and the addictive design of these platforms.
Spain
Spain’s prime minister announced in February 2026 a plan to ban social media for children under 16, though it still needs parliamentary approval. The government is also seeking to make social media executives personally liable for hate speech on their platforms.
Poland
Poland’s ruling party is drafting legislation that would ban children under 15 from using social media, as reported by Bloomberg in February 2026.
Slovenia
Slovenia’s deputy prime minister announced in early February 2026 that the country is drafting a law to prohibit children under 15 from accessing platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram.
Denmark
Denmark is set to ban social media for children under 15. The government announced in November 2025 that it had secured parliamentary support from three coalition parties and two opposition parties. The law could pass as soon as mid-2026, according to the Associated Press. Denmark is also launching a “digital evidence” app with age-verification tools.
Austria
Austria said in late March 2026 that it will ban social media for children up to age 14. Draft legislation is expected by June.
Asia and the Middle East Join In
The trend isn’t limited to Europe and Oceania.
Indonesia
Indonesia announced in March 2026 that it’s banning children under 16 from social media and other online platforms, including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox.
Malaysia
Malaysia said in November 2025 it plans to ban social media for children under 16, with implementation expected in 2026.
Turkey
Turkey’s parliament passed a bill in April 2026 to restrict social media access for children under 15. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan must now sign it into law.
North America: Canada and the UK
Both Canada and the United Kingdom are moving forward with their own restrictions.
Canada
Canada introduced a digital safety bill in early June 2026 that would ban social media for children under 16. Social media companies could avoid the ban if they demonstrate they have policies to protect young users. Officials say it could take a year for the bill to pass.
United Kingdom
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on June 15, 2026, that his government will impose a ban on social media for children under 16. The ban covers platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X. Messaging services like WhatsApp and Signal are exempt. The ban also restricts AI “romantic companion” chatbots to users over 18. Starmer acknowledged enforcement challenges but said he believes a ban could be in place by spring 2027.
Experts Question the Effectiveness
Not everyone is convinced that a blanket ban is the right approach. Privacy advocates worry about invasive age-verification systems. Critics, including Amnesty Tech, argue that bans ignore the realities of younger generations and fail to address the root causes of online harm. Some experts suggest that digital literacy education and platform accountability might be more effective than outright prohibition.
Still, the momentum is undeniable. As more countries move to restrict social media for children, the debate over how — and whether — to police young people’s online lives is only getting louder.
