Countries worldwide move to curb children's social media access

The global push to shield children from the pervasive influence of social media is gaining significant momentum, with nations across continents enacting or contemplating stringent regulations. Australia has taken a pioneering stance, becoming the first country to implement a ban on social media for those under 16, a move that carries substantial penalties for non-compliance. This bold step sets a precedent, signaling a serious global effort to address the escalating concerns surrounding the detrimental effects of these platforms on young minds.

Other countries are following suit with varying approaches. Austria is finalizing legislation for a ban on social media for children up to 14, while Britain is exploring similar Australia-style bans and enhanced AI safety rules for minors. France has approved legislation to ban children under 15, and Denmark plans a ban for those under 15, with provisions for parental consent for younger children. Germany requires parental consent for minors aged 13-16, though child protection advocates deem these controls insufficient. Greece is set to implement a ban for children under 15 by 2027.

In Asia, India's Karnataka state has banned social media for children under 16, with neighboring states considering similar measures. Indonesia is also restricting access for those under 16 on high-risk platforms. China employs a 'minor mode' with device-level restrictions. Brazil's Digital Statute of Children and Adolescents requires minors to link accounts to guardians and bans addictive features. This widespread regulatory action underscores a shared global acknowledgment of the risks associated with unfettered social media access for children, prompting a diverse yet unified response from governments aiming to safeguard their younger populations.