What began 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, as more than 20 countries now enforce, propose, or oppose age-based restrictions. According to AFP figures, at least five countries still have nationwide restrictions, and many more – including several European countries – are preparing to follow.
The push comes amid growing concern about 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 deal with addictive recommendation processes, cyberbullying, and the growing use of AI-generated content that can make online platforms more difficult for new users to navigate.
A growing number of countries are drawing the digital divide
Australia was one of the first democracies to introduce one of the strictest social media laws in the world, banning access to children under 16 by December 2025. Since then, several countries have taken or announced similar measures.
In Brazil, platforms must now verify the age of users and link the accounts of children under 16 with those of their parents. Indonesia and Malaysia have introduced nationwide restrictions on under-16s, while China has tightened digital controls since 2019, extending screen time limits from online games to social media and streaming platforms by 2023.
The trend continues elsewhere. Turkey has approved a law banning social media for under-15s from late 2026, while the United Arab Emirates plans to implement a similar restriction next year. According to AFP, these countries represent the first wave of governments moving from parental guidance to enforcement.
Europe is now becoming the next battlefield. An expert committee is expected to send recommendations to the European Commission on Monday about possible EU-wide action, a step that could affect digital policy in all 27 member states.
Europe is divided, but the pressure is growing
Several European countries are now moving forward independently instead of waiting for Brussels. Greece plans to ban access to social media for children under 15 from January 2027, while Austria and Slovenia are enacting similar legislation. Germany is weighing age-based restrictions after Chancellor Friedrich Merz voiced support for stricter controls, and Sweden has proposed banning social media for under-15s as early as 2028.
Elsewhere, Ireland, Denmark, Norway, the United Kingdom, and Canada are all considering laws that would raise the minimum age for social media use to 16. According to AFP, France, Spain, Portugal, and Italy are also discussing laws that will greatly restrict children’s access to social media.
The discussion is not limited to Europe. In India, several states are testing age limits, and the central government is reportedly in talks with social media companies about possible protections for younger users.
The debate reflects a broader shift in the way governments view social media. For years, platforms argued that parental control and self-regulation were enough. Increasingly, lawmakers disagree, pointing to research linking excessive use of social media to anxiety, depression, disrupted sleep, and reduced attention span among teenagers.
Whether the entire proposal eventually becomes law is uncertain. Questions about age verification, privacy, coercion, and freedom of speech continue to divide policymakers. But one thing is becoming clear: the era of children’s unfettered access to social media is coming under unprecedented scrutiny, and the next few years could reshape the way young people experience the Internet.
