Governments around the world are increasingly taking steps to curb children’s access to social media platforms amid growing worries about the impact of online services on young users. Measures under consideration or already adopted vary in scope and enforcement mechanisms, but collectively represent one of the most coordinated global efforts to regulate major tech platforms on the basis of age.
Overview
At the leading edge of this trend, Australia adopted a law in December that makes it the first country to impose a national ban on social media use by children under 16. The legislation requires major social media companies to block access for minors under 16 from December 10, 2025, and sets out fines for non-compliance of up to A$49.5 million (US$34.7 million). That move has helped crystallize a pattern of proposals and new rules in multiple jurisdictions.
Country-by-country measures
- Australia - A landmark law adopted in December obliges major social media platforms to prevent access by users under 16 starting from December 10, 2025. The legislation is among the strictest aimed at tech platforms and includes penalties that can reach A$49.5 million for platforms that do not comply.
- Britain - Officials are considering rules similar to Australia’s ban and are also looking at tighter safety requirements for AI chatbots used by children under 16. The technology minister, Liz Kendall, indicated in February that such measures could come into effect as early as this year.
- China - Authorities have implemented a "minor mode" programme that enforces device-level restrictions and app-specific controls to limit screen time in line with a child’s age.
- Denmark - Announced in November that it intends to ban social media for children under 15 while allowing parents the option to grant platform access to children aged 13 and 14.
- France - The National Assembly approved legislation in January that would bar children under 15 from social media platforms. The bill must still pass through the Senate before the lower house can give a final vote.
- Germany - Current rules permit minors aged 13 to 16 to use social media only with parental consent. Child protection advocates, however, argue these controls do not go far enough.
- Greece - A senior government source said on February 3 that the country is very close to announcing a ban on social media for children under 15.
- India - The state of Karnataka, which includes the tech hub of Bengaluru, on March 6 became the first Indian state to prohibit social media use for children under 16. Neighboring states Goa and Andhra Pradesh are reported to be considering similar restrictions. Separately, India’s chief economic adviser urged age restrictions in January, describing social media platforms as predatory in how they keep users engaged.
- Indonesia - The communications and digital ministry announced on March 6 that it will restrict access for children under 16. Starting March 28, accounts belonging to children under 16 on specified "high risk platforms" will be gradually deactivated. The ministry named platforms that include TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and Roblox.
- Italy - Users under 14 must obtain parental consent to create social media accounts; no parental approval is required for users older than 14.
- Malaysia - In November, authorities said they would ban social media for users under 16 beginning in 2026.
- Norway - In October 2024 the government proposed raising the age of consent for social media terms from 13 to 15, with parents still able to consent on behalf of younger children. Work has also begun on legislation to set an absolute minimum age of 15 for social media use.
- Poland - The ruling party has been preparing legislation to ban social media for children under 15 and to require platforms to carry out age verification, the party said on February 27.
- Slovenia - The government is drafting a law that would bar children under 15 from social media, Deputy Prime Minister Matej Arcon said on February 6.
- Spain - Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said in early February that Spain will ban social media access for minors under 16 and will require platforms to use age verification systems. It was not clear whether the proposed ban would need approval from the country’s fragmented lower house.
- United States - The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act prohibits companies from collecting personal data from children under 13 without parental consent. Several U.S. states have enacted laws mandating parental consent for minors to access social media, but these laws have faced legal challenges on free speech grounds.
Regional and industry responses
The European Parliament agreed in November on a non-binding resolution that called for a minimum social media age of 16. At the same time, it urged a harmonised EU digital age limit of 13 for social media access and recommended a 13-year threshold for video-sharing services and so-called "AI companions."
Major social platforms maintain that users must be at least 13 to open accounts. Despite these stated age requirements, child protection advocates argue that platform controls are insufficient. Official data in multiple European countries indicate that large numbers of children under 13 nevertheless have social media accounts.
Market and policy implications
These national and regional moves intersect with several economic and market considerations. Technology platforms that rely on young user bases for audience reach, engagement metrics and advertising revenue face compliance costs and potential fines if they do not adapt systems to meet new age-related rules. Governments and regulators will also need to consider enforcement mechanisms such as age verification and device-level controls, which have technical, legal and privacy trade-offs.
Advertising and product impacts
Restricting underage access could influence user demographics and advertising targeting across social platforms. Platforms that derive significant revenue from younger cohorts may need to revise content moderation, advertising products and parental consent flows, while advertisers and agencies will have to adjust audience strategies accordingly.
Closing note on financial promotion referenced in original reporting
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(Currency note: $1 = 1.4267 Australian dollars.)