These Are the Countries Moving to Ban Social Media for Children

Over the last several months, a growing number of countries have announced plans to restrict or block social media access for children and teenagers. Australia became the first nation to implement such a policy at the end of last year, creating a model that other governments are now watching closely.

Australia's rules — along with proposals in other countries — are aimed at reducing the pressure and risks young people may encounter on social platforms. Those risks include cyberbullying, compulsive use and addiction-like behaviours, mental health impacts, and exposure to predators.

At the same time, these efforts have raised concerns about privacy, particularly around intrusive age-verification requirements, as well as worries about heavy-handed government intervention. Critics, including Amnesty Tech, have argued that bans don't work and overlook how younger generations actually communicate and live online. Even so, many governments are moving forward with proposed legislation or early-stage plans.

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

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. It does not include WhatsApp or YouTube Kids.

The Australian government has said social media companies must take action to keep minors off their platforms. Companies that fail to comply could face fines of up to $49.5 million AUD (about $34.4 million USD).

Officials say platforms should use multiple verification methods to confirm that users are over 16, and that companies cannot rely solely on users' self-reported ages.

Denmark

Denmark is preparing to ban social media platforms for children under 15. The Danish government said in November 2025 that it had secured backing for the ban from three coalition parties and two opposition parties in parliament.

According to the Associated Press, the proposal could become law as soon as mid-2026. Denmark's digital affairs ministry is also developing a "digital evidence" app that includes age-verification tools that could be used under the ban.

France

In late January, French lawmakers approved a bill that would bar children under 15 from using social media. President Emmanuel Macron has backed the measure, describing it as a way to protect children from excessive screen time.

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

Germany

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

Greece

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

Malaysia

The Malaysian government said in November 2025 that it plans to ban social media for children under 16. The country intends to implement the ban this year.

Slovenia

Slovenia is working on draft legislation that would prohibit children under 15 from accessing social media, according to comments from the country's deputy prime minister in early February. The government has said it wants to regulate social networks where content is shared, pointing to platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram.

Spain

Spain's prime minister said in early February that the country plans to ban social media for children under 16. The proposed ban still requires parliamentary approval.

Spain's government is also pursuing legislation that could make social media executives personally accountable for hate speech hosted on their platforms.

UK

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

It is also evaluating whether to require platforms to limit or remove features that may drive compulsive use, including endless scrolling.