Around the world, governments are increasingly regulating the use of social media among children, mainly due to growing worries regarding their psychological well-being, safety, and addiction to screens. The issue, which was previously considered to be private and dealt with by families alone, has now become a significant focus of regulation.There seem to be multiple reasons behind the trend toward regulating children’s social media use. First, it stems from fears regarding psychological effects. Studies have revealed a correlation between frequent use of social media and negative outcomes such as anxiety, sleep deprivation, and lack of concentration.
Another concern relates to cyberbullying and personal data protection. The fact is that many platforms offer engaging features designed to keep users on their websites for extended periods.According to various media reports, there are approximately 15+ countries that are planning to or have implemented stricter rules and regulations. Check below the combined list of countries.
List of countries introducing social media ban for children
Global push to ban social media for children
Australia
The Australian government has made the strongest decision by completely banning the use of social networking sites for minors under the age of 16 in Australia. All popular networking sites must prevent the registration of minors on their websites; otherwise, they will have to pay heavy fines.
Austria
According to a report by the BBC, Austria is planning to pass a law prohibiting the use of social media among individuals aged below 14 years. It is yet to be finalised, but the political support it enjoys implies that it is likely to become a reality sooner rather than later.
Britain
According to the UK Parliament, although there is no total ban imposed by the country, efforts are being made to see what possibilities are available. Certain families have been subjected to certain restrictions, such as limiting the use of applications and other software during certain hours and restricting the use of social media sites. On 19 January 2026, the government launched a consultation on children’s social media use to explore ways to ensure safer, healthier online experiences, building on the 2023 Act. Opened on 2 March 2026, it includes proposals such as banning social media for children and will close on 26 May 2026.
Denmark
Denmark plans to ban social media for children under 15 but may allow limited access for younger users with parental approval, that make take effect from mid-2026. The policy is designed to reduce risks without completely removing access for all younger users.
France
According to PBS, France has approved a proposal to ban social media for children under 15, though it still requires final approval. Lawmakers have focused on issues such as online bullying and mental health. The proposal reflects growing concern within Europe about the psychological effects of early social media use.
Germany
Germany allows children aged 13 to 16 to use social media with parental consent. According to PBS reports, Germany is also considering banning social media use for children. Meanwhile, this system places responsibility on families; critics argue it may not be fully effective.
Greece
As reported by various media reports, Greece has announced a ban on social media for children under 15, set to begin in 2027. The delayed timeline allows for preparation, both for regulators and tech companies. The policy reflects long-term planning rather than immediate enforcement.
Indonesia
As reported by the BBC, Indonesia is focusing on restricting access to what it considers high-risk platforms. Accounts belonging to children under 16 are being identified and gradually removed. The policy specifically targets widely used apps, aiming to reduce exposure to potentially harmful content.
Italy
Social media use by children below the age of 14 in Italy is conditional upon parent permission, whereas teenagers above that age have the liberty to utilize such platforms, according to the media release from Italianismo.
Malaysia
According to Reuters reports, Malaysia has declared its intention to introduce social media ban for those individuals below the age of 16 years beginning from the year 2026. Although this measure is yet to take shape, it certainly suggests that there will be strict regulations imposed in future.
Norway
Norway is working to increase the minimum age for independent social media use from 13 to 15. Parents will still be allowed to provide consent for younger users. This adjustment reflects concerns about early exposure while maintaining some flexibility for families.
Poland
According to Reuters, Poland is drafting legislation that would ban social media for children under 15 and require platforms to verify user ages more strictly. The focus is not just on access but also on enforcement. Authorities appear to be targeting loopholes that allow underage users to bypass restrictions.
Portugal
As reported by Euronews, Portugal requires parental consent for users aged 13 to 16 and has introduced penalties for companies that fail to enforce the rules. Fines can reach a percentage of global revenue, indicating a strong enforcement mechanism. The policy places responsibility on both families and tech companies.
India
As reported by Reuters, India is taking a gradual approach, with regulations emerging at the state level. Karnataka has already introduced a ban for children under 16. Other states are considering similar measures. National discussions are ongoing, and broader policies may follow.
Slovenia
As reported by Reuters, Slovenia prepares legislation to ban social media access for children under 15. The proposal is still under development, but it reflects growing concern within smaller European nations.
Spain
Spain is preparing to ban social media access for minors under 16 while requiring platforms to introduce robust age verification systems, according to the BBC reports. The proposal focuses heavily on enforcement, suggesting that simply setting age limits is not enough without reliable checks.
United States
US Senator Brian Schatz reports that the United States does not have a nationwide ban but relies on existing laws like parental consent requirements for children under 13. Several states have introduced additional restrictions, though legal challenges have slowed implementation.
