These are the countries moving to ban social media for children

Source: TechCrunch

Overview

Over the past few months, several countries have announced plans to restrict social‑media access for children and teens. Australia became the first to implement such measures at the end of last year, setting a precedent that other nations are now closely watching.

Australia’s regulations, along with proposals from other countries, aim to reduce the pressures and risks that young users may face on social media, including cyberbullying, addiction, mental‑health issues, and exposure to predators. Critics warn about privacy concerns related to invasive age verification and excessive government intervention. Organizations such as Amnesty Tech have called the bans ineffective and out of touch with younger generations. Despite the criticism, many nations are moving ahead with proposed legislation.

Below is a list of countries that are considering or have already moved forward with bans on social media for young users.

Australia

Australia became the world’s first country to ban social media for children under 16 in December 2025. The ban blocks children from using Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, Twitch, and Kick, but does not include WhatsApp or YouTube Kids.

The Australian government says platforms must take steps to keep children off their services, with penalties of up to $49.5 million AUD (≈ $34.4 million USD) for non‑compliance. Companies are required to use multiple verification methods rather than relying solely on self‑reported ages.

Denmark

Denmark is set to ban social‑media platforms for children under 15. The government announced in November 2025 that it had secured support from three governing coalition parties and two opposition parties in parliament. The legislation could become law as early as mid‑2026. Denmark’s digital affairs ministry is also launching a “digital evidence” app that includes age‑verification tools that may be used as part of the ban.

France

In late January, French lawmakers passed a bill that would ban social media for kids under 15. President Emmanuel Macron has supported the measure as a way to protect children from excessive screen time. The bill still needs to pass the Senate before a final vote in the lower house.

Germany

In early February, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s conservatives discussed a proposal to bar children under 16 from using social media, according to Reuters. However, there are indications that his centre‑left coalition partners are hesitant to support an outright ban.

Greece

Greece is reported to be close to announcing a social‑media ban for children under 15, Reuters reported in early February. Source

Malaysia

The Malaysian government said in November 2025 that it plans to ban social media for children under 16, with implementation slated for this year.

Slovenia

Slovenia is drafting legislation to prohibit children under 15 from accessing social media, announced by the country’s deputy prime minister in early February. The proposal targets platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram.

Spain

Spain’s prime minister announced in early February that the country plans to ban social media for children under 16. The ban still requires parliamentary approval. Additionally, the government seeks a law that would make social‑media executives personally accountable for hate speech on their platforms.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is weighing a ban on social media for children under 16. The government says it will consult parents, young people, and civil society to determine whether a ban would be effective, and will also consider requiring platforms to limit or remove features that drive compulsive use, such as endless scrolling.