7 Countries Now Restricting Children’s Access to Social Media
Governments around the world are tightening rules on children’s use of social media, with several countries introducing age restrictions aimed at protecting minors from cyberbullying, harmful content, online predators and excessive screen time.
Australia led the global push in December 2025, becoming the first country to impose a nationwide ban on social media accounts for children under 16.
Since then, countries in Asia, Europe and the Middle East have followed with similar restrictions, while others are preparing new legislation.
Supporters of the measures say children need greater protection online, particularly from harmful content and the psychological effects of excessive social media use.
Critics, however, argue that outright bans could drive teenagers towards VPNs and less-regulated corners of the internet.
Telegram founder Pavel Durov is among those who have questioned the effectiveness of such policies.
“Banning social media for teenagers only puts them in greater danger. Teens are forced to switch to VPNs and unlock far worse illegal content,” Durov said.
He argued that parental supervision, screen-time controls and delaying smartphone ownership could be more effective than outright bans.
Here are the countries that have either introduced or formally announced nationwide restrictions on children’s access to social media:
Australia – December 2025
Australia became the first country to enforce a nationwide ban preventing children under 16 from creating or maintaining accounts on major social media platforms.
The restrictions cover platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, Snapchat, Reddit and YouTube. Parental consent does not exempt children from the ban.
Technology companies are required to use approved age-verification methods, including identity checks and other digital systems, with companies facing significant penalties for failing to comply.
Indonesia – March 2026
Indonesia became the first Asian country to enforce a nationwide restriction on social media use by children under 16.
The policy covers major platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Threads, YouTube and Roblox. Platforms are expected to identify underage users and remove accounts that violate the rules.
The measure forms part of a wider effort by the Indonesian government to strengthen online protection for children.
Brazil – March 2026
Brazil introduced tougher online safety rules requiring platforms to verify users’ ages and connect accounts belonging to children under 16 to their parents or guardians.
The reforms also cover certain online gaming features, including loot boxes, extending the country’s child protection measures beyond social media.
Malaysia – June 2026
Malaysia began enforcing new regulations in June requiring major online platforms to use electronic Know-Your-Customer systems to prevent children under 16 from opening or operating social media accounts.
The measure is part of the country’s wider online safety regulations and places greater responsibility on technology companies to verify the ages of users.
United Arab Emirates – June 2026
The UAE became the first Arab country to approve a nationwide restriction on social media access for children under 15.
Under the policy, digital platforms have one year to introduce mandatory age-verification systems. Additional protections will also apply to users aged 15 and 16, including stronger privacy safeguards and controls on screen time.
United Kingdom – June 2026
The United Kingdom announced plans to restrict children under 16 from using major social media platforms, with implementation expected in 2027.
The proposed rules are expected to cover platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, X and YouTube.
The government is also considering restrictions on some livestreaming platforms and AI companion chatbots. Messaging applications such as WhatsApp and Signal are not included in the proposed ban.
France – July 2026
France became the first European country to pass legislation banning children under 15 from creating social media accounts.
The law, approved by lawmakers on July 21, 2026, is expected to come into force on September 1.
The restrictions will also affect existing users under 15, who may be required to close their accounts or undergo age verification.
Other countries considering similar restrictions
A number of other countries are moving towards tighter controls on children’s access to social media.
Turkey has passed legislation restricting social media access for children under 15, although the bill is awaiting presidential approval.
Greece has announced plans for a similar ban, while Denmark is working on legislation to establish a minimum age for social media use.
Spain, Norway, Portugal, Canada and New Zealand are also reviewing proposals aimed at raising the digital age of consent or limiting children’s access to social media platforms.
As more governments introduce restrictions, the debate over how best to protect children online is likely to continue.
Supporters see age limits as an important safeguard, while critics warn that bans alone may not stop young people from finding alternative ways to access the internet.
