Countries planning or introducing social media bans for children

In recent months, a growing number of countries have either announced plans or begun efforts to restrict social media access for children and teenagers. Australia was the first nation to implement such rules at the end of last year, setting an example that governments elsewhere are now monitoring closely.

Australia’s rules, along with proposals being considered in other countries, are intended to ease some of the pressures and dangers young users may encounter on social media. These include cyberbullying, addiction, mental health concerns, and the risk of exposure to predators.

At the same time, the proposed measures have raised privacy concerns, particularly regarding intrusive age-verification systems and broader questions about excessive state intervention. Opponents, including Amnesty Tech, have argued that these bans are ineffective and fail to reflect the realities of younger generations. Even so, many governments are moving forward with legislative proposals.

Here is a list of countries that are either considering or have already advanced bans on social media for younger users.

Australia

Australia became the first country 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 in the restrictions.

The Australian government has said these social media companies are required to take steps to prevent children from accessing their services. Firms that do not comply could face fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars, or about 34.4 million U.S. dollars.

According to the government, these platforms should use multiple verification methods to ensure users are over 16. It has also been said that companies cannot simply rely on people entering their age themselves.

Denmark

Denmark is preparing to ban social media platforms for children under 15. In November 2025, the Danish government said it had won support for the measure from three parties in the governing coalition and two opposition parties in parliament.

According to the Associated Press, the proposal could become law as early as mid-2026. Denmark’s digital affairs ministry is also rolling out a “digital evidence” app that includes age-verification tools, which may be used in connection with the ban.

France

In late January, French lawmakers passed a bill banning social media for children under 15. President Emmanuel Macron has backed the proposal, presenting it as a way to shield children from excessive screen time.

The bill still needs to pass through the Senate before returning to the lower house for a final vote.

Germany

In early February, Reuters reported that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s conservative bloc had discussed a proposal that would prevent children under 16 from using social media. However, there were indications that coalition partners from the centre-left were reluctant to support a full ban.

Greece

Reuters reported in early February that Greece appeared close to unveiling a social media ban for children under 15.

Indonesia

Indonesia said in early March that it intends to ban children under 16 from using social media and other widely used online platforms. The government said it plans to begin with platforms including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox.

Malaysia

In November 2025, the Malaysian government announced plans to ban social media for children under 16. The country intends to introduce the ban this year.

Slovenia

Slovenia is currently drafting legislation that would prevent children under 15 from accessing social media, the country’s deputy prime minister said in early February. The government wants to regulate social networks where content is shared, specifically TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram.

Spain

In early February, Spain’s prime minister announced plans to ban social media for children under 16. The measure still requires parliamentary approval. The Spanish government is also working on legislation that would make social media executives personally responsible for hate speech appearing on their platforms.

UK

The United Kingdom is considering banning social media for children under 16. The government has said it will consult parents, young people, and civil society groups to assess whether such a ban would be effective.

It is also examining whether social media companies should be required to limit or remove features that encourage compulsive use, including endless scrolling.