Over the past few months, several countries have announced plans to restrict children and adolescents’ access to social media. Australia first introduced such measures late last year, setting a precedent that other countries are now watching closely.
Australia’s regulations, like proposals in other countries, aim to reduce the pressures and risks young people can face on social media, including cyberbullying, addiction, mental health issues and contact with predators.
Of course, there are also privacy concerns, such as invasive age verification and excessive government intervention. Critics, including Amnesty Tech, say these bans are ineffective and ignore the realities of young people. Nevertheless, many countries are proceeding with legislation.
We’ve compiled a list of countries that are considering or have already implemented bans on social media for young people.
Australia
Australia became the first country in the world to ban social media for children under 16 in December 2025. The ban prevents children from using Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, Twitch, and Kick. Notably, WhatsApp and YouTube Kids are not included.
The Australian government said these social media companies must take steps to keep children away from their services. Businesses that fail to comply could be subject to fines of up to AU$49.5 million (US$34.4 million).
The government says these platforms must use multiple authentication methods to ensure that users of their services are over 16 years old. It also points out that it is not reliable if users just enter their age.
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Denmark
Denmark plans to ban social media platforms for children under 15. In November 2025, the Danish government announced that it had secured support for the ban in parliament from three ruling parties and two opposition parties.
According to the Associated Press, the government’s plan could be passed as early as mid-2026. Denmark’s Digital Ministry has also launched a “digital evidence” app that includes an age verification tool that can be used as part of the ban.
France
In late January, French lawmakers passed a bill banning social media for children under 15. President Emmanuel Macron supports the bill as a way to protect children from excessive screen time.
The bill must pass the Senate before a final vote in the House.
Germany
In early February, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s conservative factions discussed a proposal to ban children under 16 from using social media, according to Reuters. But there were signs that his centre-left coalition partners were hesitant to support a total ban.
Greece
Greece is said to be close to announcing a social media ban for children under 15, Reuters reported in early February.
Indonesia
In early March, Indonesia announced plans to ban children under 16 from using social media and other popular online platforms. The country plans to start with platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox.
Malaysia
The Malaysian government announced in November 2025 that it plans to ban social media for children under the age of 16. The country plans to implement the ban this year.
Slovenia
Slovenia is drafting a law to ban children under 15 from accessing social media, the country’s deputy prime minister announced in early February. The government wants to regulate social networks on which content is shared, citing platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram.
Spain
In early February, Spain’s prime minister announced plans to ban social media for children under 16. The ban still requires parliamentary approval. The Spanish government is also seeking to pass legislation that would make social media executives personally liable for hate speech on their platforms.
England
The UK is considering banning social media for children under 16. The government has said it will listen to parents, young people and civil society to decide whether the ban is effective.
It will also consider whether to require social media companies to limit or remove features that encourage compulsive use, such as infinite scrolling.
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