Many countries have announced plans to restrict social media access for children and teens over the past several months. Australia became the first to implement such measures at the end of last year, serving as a precedent for others.
These regulations aim to reduce the pressures and risks young users face on social media, including cyberbullying, addiction, mental health issues, and exposure to predators. However, concerns about privacy and government intervention persist, with critics like Amnesty Tech arguing that such bans are ineffective and overlook younger generations’ realities. Despite this, many nations are moving forward with proposed legislation.
Here’s a list of countries considering or implementing bans on social media for young users:
**Australia**
Australia became the first country to ban social media for children under 16 in December 2025, affecting platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, Twitch, and Kick, but excluding WhatsApp and YouTube Kids. Companies must ensure children are kept off these services, risking penalties up to $49.5 million AUD ($34.4 million USD) for non-compliance. Multiple verification methods are required to confirm users’ ages.
**Denmark**
Denmark plans to ban social media for children under 15, with support from governing and opposition parties. Legislation could be enacted by mid-2026, and a “digital evidence” app with age verification tools is in development.
**France**
In January, French lawmakers passed a bill to ban social media for kids under 15. President Emmanuel Macron supports the measure, pending Senate approval and a final lower house vote.
**Germany**
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s conservatives proposed a social media ban for children under 16, but there’s hesitance from center-left coalition partners.
**Greece**
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced a social media ban for children under 15 starting January 2027 to address anxiety, sleep problems, and social media addiction.
**Indonesia**
Indonesia announced a ban on social media for children under 16, targeting platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox.
**Malaysia**
The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for children under 16, with implementation set for this year.
**Slovenia**
Slovenia is drafting legislation to ban social media access for children under 15, targeting platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram.
**Spain**
Spain plans a social media ban for children under 16, pending parliamentary approval. They also seek to hold social media executives accountable for hate speech.
**UK**
The UK is considering a social media ban for children under 16 and will consult stakeholders to determine its efficacy. They may also require companies to limit features that drive compulsive use.
This story, originally published in February 2026, is regularly updated with new information.