A Different Kind of Ban: Vietnam’s ‘Muted’ Approach
Vietnam is floating a novel idea in the global push to protect kids online. Instead of kicking under-16s off social media entirely, the government wants them to stay — but with their voices turned off.
A draft decree from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, reported by Reuters, would let minors keep their accounts while losing the ability to post, comment, or react. Accounts would have to be registered under a parent, who’d monitor content and screen time. Platforms would need technical tools to identify child users and steer them toward age-appropriate material.
Deputy Culture Minister Phan Tam insists the goal isn’t a ban, but a safer environment. The decree isn’t final and could change. Vietnam is also mulling gaming limits — under-16s capped at 60 minutes per game daily, with the same parental registration requirement.
The Global Shift Toward Restricting Youth Access
Vietnam’s muted approach is creative, but it’s far from alone. Over the past year, a wave of countries has announced plans to restrict social media for children and teens. Australia led the charge in December 2025, and others are following.
These measures target familiar dangers: cyberbullying, addiction, mental health struggles, and predator exposure. Yet critics, including Amnesty Tech, argue bans are ineffective and ignore how young people actually live online. Privacy concerns about age verification also loom large. Still, many governments are pressing forward.
Country-by-Country: Who’s Banning Social Media for Kids?
Australia: The Pioneer
In December 2025, Australia became the first nation to ban social media for under-16s. The law blocks access to Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, Twitch, and Kick. WhatsApp and YouTube Kids are exempt. Companies face fines up to $49.5 million AUD ($34.4 million USD) for non-compliance. The government insists platforms use multiple verification methods — not just self-reported ages.
Europe’s Mixed Front
Austria announced in late March it will ban social media for kids up to 14, with draft legislation expected by June. France passed a law on July 21 banning access for under-15s, effective as soon as September 1, plus a high school cell phone ban. Germany’s conservatives floated a proposal in February to bar under-16s, though coalition partners seem hesitant. Greece’s PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced an under-15 ban starting January 2027, targeting anxiety, sleep issues, and addictive design. Poland’s ruling party is drafting a similar under-15 ban. Slovenia is working on legislation for under-15s, citing TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram. Spain’s PM proposed an under-16 ban in February, pending parliament. The UK’s Keir Starmer announced on June 15 a ban for under-16s, covering Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X — but not WhatsApp or Signal. It could be in place by spring 2027. Denmark is set to ban under-15s, with law possible by mid-2026, and is developing a “digital evidence” app with age verification.
Asia and Beyond
Indonesia said in early March it’s banning under-16s from platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox. Malaysia plans a similar ban this year. Turkey’s parliament passed a bill in April restricting under-15 access, awaiting presidential approval.
What’s Driving the Crackdown?
Governments cite rising mental health issues, sleep deprivation, and the manipulative design of social apps. The bans aim to create breathing room for childhood development. But enforcement is tricky. Age verification raises privacy red flags, and tech companies resist. Critics also note that bans push kids to hidden corners of the internet.
Still, the momentum is undeniable. Social media age limits are becoming a mainstream policy tool, and parental control apps are likely to see a boom. Whether Vietnam’s muted middle ground works — or gets scrapped — remains to be seen.
This story was originally published in February 2026 and is updated regularly.
