What started as a policy experiment in Australia has quickly turned into a global movement. Governments around the world are increasingly questioning whether children should have unrestricted access to social media, with more than 20 countries now either enforcing, proposing, or actively debating age-based restrictions. According to an AFP tally, at least five countries already have nationwide restrictions in force, while many others – including several European nations – are preparing to follow suit.
The momentum comes amid growing concerns over the impact of social media on children’s mental health, online safety, sleep patterns, and exposure to harmful content. Policymakers are also under pressure to address addictive recommendation algorithms, cyberbullying, and the growing use of AI-generated content that can make online platforms even harder for young users to navigate.
A growing number of countries are drawing a digital line
Australia became one of the first major democracies to introduce one of the world’s toughest social media laws, banning access for children under 16 in December 2025. Since then, several countries have adopted or announced similar measures.
In Brazil, platforms must now verify users’ ages and link accounts belonging to children under 16 with those of their parents. Indonesia and Malaysia have introduced nationwide restrictions for under-16s, while China has steadily tightened digital controls since 2019, extending screen-time limits from online gaming to social media and streaming platforms in 2023.
The trend is continuing elsewhere. Turkey has approved legislation banning social media for under-15s from late 2026, while the United Arab Emirates plans to implement a similar restriction over the coming year. According to AFP, these countries represent the first wave of governments moving from parental guidance to legal enforcement.
Europe is now becoming the next battleground. An expert committee is expected to submit recommendations to the European Commission on Monday regarding potential EU-wide action, a move that could influence digital policy across all 27 member states.
Europe is divided, but the pressure is building
Several European countries are already moving ahead independently instead of waiting for Brussels. Greece plans to ban social media access for children under 15 beginning in January 2027, while Austria and Slovenia are drafting similar legislation. Germany is weighing age-based restrictions after Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed support for stronger controls, and Sweden has proposed banning social media for under-15s by early 2028.
Elsewhere, Ireland, Denmark, Norway, the United Kingdom, and Canada are all exploring laws that would raise the minimum age for social media use to around 16. According to AFP, France, Spain, Portugal, and Italy are also debating legislation that would significantly restrict children’s access to online platforms.
The discussion isn’t limited to Europe. In India, several states are examining age restrictions, while the central government is reportedly in discussions with social media companies over possible safeguards for younger users.
The debate reflects a broader shift in how governments view social media. For years, platforms argued that parental controls and self-regulation were sufficient. Increasingly, lawmakers disagree, pointing to research linking excessive social media use with anxiety, depression, disrupted sleep, and reduced attention spans among teenagers.
Whether every proposal ultimately becomes law remains uncertain. Questions around age verification, privacy, enforcement, and freedom of expression continue to divide policymakers. But one thing is becoming clear: the era of unrestricted social media access for children is coming under unprecedented scrutiny, and the next few years could fundamentally reshape how young people experience the internet.
