Australia became the first country to banned social media for under 16 : List of countries now moving to do same

In December 10^th 2025, Australia became the first country to restrict children's access to social media under the age of 16, essentially banning them from Facebook, Youtube, Instagram, Sanpchat, Threads, Tiktok and many other platforms. This ban is now getting a global attention as other countries are also exploring similar idea. Australia became the first country in the world to ban social media, so that the young users dosen't have to experience cyberbullying, anxiety and exposure to violent content. Social media companies are requried to use multiple verification methods in order to block the under age users or else they have to face fine of upto $49.5 million AUD which is approximately $34.4 million USD if they fail to comply.

Why multiple governments are acting : Governments believes that social media is the main reason why children nowadays are facing issues like, cyberbulling, addiction, anxiety, and depression. They feel that social media companies have not done enough to protect young users on their own.

List of countries planning to ban :

Denmark : Ban Expected by later this year : The Denmark follows Australlia's lead. Denmark is reportedly perparing to ban social media for children under 15 and it may come by mid-2026. However, the ministry did not specify which social media platforms are being affected or how the ban will be enforced. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen's call for the restriction on children's use of social media and the govement announced in November 2025 and that it had secured support from both coalition and opposition parties in parliament.

France : Passed lower house : France lawmakers have passed the bill that would ban the use of social media by children under 15 years, but on a shorter timeline. This move is approved by President Emmanuel Macron as a way to protect children from excessive screen time. An effective age verification system should come into force so than ban of social media become reality, but the bill still needs to pass through the Senate before returning for the final vote in the lower house.

Germany : Ban under discussion : In early Feb of 2026, German Chancellor Friedrich Meez's bloc put forwaded a proposal to ban social media for children under 16. In Germany parental permission are already required for younger users but still discussions are ongoing about wheather tougher rulers are required or not .However some coalition partners are hesitating about the banning of social media.

Greece : Announcement said to be soon : No formal bills has been introduced yet, but Greece is reportedly close to announce a ban on social media under the age of 15. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the move was aimed to tackle rising of anxiety and sleep problems among young people, as well as what he described as the "addictive design" of social media.

Indonesia : Ban planned for under-16s : Indonesia became the latest country to announce plans to ban childern under 16 from accessing social media platforms including facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Roblox. It means account deactivation for minors is being rolled out gradually, with official threats of fines and potential nationwide bans for platforms that do not obey.

Malaysia : Implementation expected this year : Malaysia had announced in November 2025 that it had planed to ban social media for children under 16, targeting improved child safety and reduced cybercrime. Social media platforms will be required to implement strict age verification, such as EKYC, to ensure compliance. The goverment is committing to rolling out the ban within 2026.

Spain : Awaiting approval : Spain is moving forward to ban social media access for users under 16, concerns about online safety and harmful digital content. This measures still needs the parliamentary approval to become law.

United Kingdom : Ban under consultation : The UK government also said to be thinking about ban on scial media for the children under 16. Parents, guardians, and young people are being asked for their views before a formal decision is made.

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