These are countries that are moving to ban social media for children

In the past few months, several countries have announced plans to ban the use of social media by children and teenagers. Australia he became the first to implement such measures at the end of last year, setting a precedent that other countries are watching closely.

Australia’s laws, along with other countries’ recommendations, aim to reduce the pressures and risks that young users may face on social media, such as cyberbullying, addiction, mental illness, and contact with enemies.

Of course, there are privacy concerns about current age verification and government intervention. Critics, including Amnesty Techthey have said that such restrictions are ineffective and ignore the reality of the younger generations. Despite this, many countries are moving forward with proposed legislation.

We have compiled a list of countries that are considering or have already moved forward with restrictions on social networking sites for teenagers.

Australia

Australia became the first country in the world to live block social media for children under the age of 16 in December 2025. The ban prohibits children from using Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, Twitch, and Kick. It also does not include WhatsApp or YouTube Kids.

The Australian government has said that these companies should take steps to prevent children from working in their jobs. Companies that fail to comply could face fines of up to $49.5 million AUD ($34.4 million USD).

The government says that these platforms must use several methods to verify that people using their services are older than 16. It also says that they cannot rely on users simply entering their age.

Denmark

Denmark is to establish a ban social networking sites for children under the age of 15. The Danish government announced in November 2025 that it had received support for the ban from three governing parties and two opposition parties in the parliament.

The state’s plans could become law by mid-2026, according to the Associated Press. The Danish Ministry of Digital Affairs is also launching a “digital proof” program that includes age verification tools that can be used as a deterrent.

France

In late January, French lawmakers he presented the bill which would ban social media for children under the age of 15. President Emmanuel Macron has supported the measure as a way to protect children from too much screen time.

The bill must go through the Senate of this country before the final vote in the lower court.

Germany

In early February, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz discussed a bar request children under the age of 16 using social media, Reuters reported. However, there were signs that their centre-left allies were hesitant to support an outright ban.

Greece

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

Indonesia

Indonesia said in early March that it was preparing prohibiting children under 16 years of age using social networking sites and other popular sites on the Internet. The country plans to start with platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox.

Malaysia

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

Slovenia

Slovenia is to write laws to prevent children under the age of 15 from accessing social networks, the country’s deputy minister announced at the beginning of February. The government wants to regulate social networks that are shared, citing platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram.

Spain

The Prime Minister of Spain announced in early February that the country they plan to ban it social networking sites for children under the age of 16. This ban still needs to be approved by parliament. The Spanish government also wants to introduce a law that would make social media managers accountable for abuse on their platforms.

UK

The United Kingdom is to measure the restriction on social networking sites for children under the age of 16. The government said it will consult with parents, young people, and government agencies to get their opinions to see if the ban would be effective.

They will also consider whether they would require social media companies to limit or remove compulsive driving features, such as permanent swiping.