Nations tighten grip on children's social media access

Nations worldwide are increasingly moving to curb children's access to social media, driven by mounting concerns over the impact on their health and safety. Australia took a pioneering step in December 2025, becoming the first country to ban social media for individuals under 16. This landmark law blocks minors from platforms including TikTok, Alphabet's YouTube, and Meta's Instagram and Facebook, with companies facing penalties of up to A$49.5 million for non-compliance.

Britain is also preparing to implement a ban on social media for under-16s, with the measure anticipated to take effect around Spring 2027. Former Prime Minister Keir Starmer has also emphasized that big tech firms must prevent children from circulating nude images on their phones, or face legislative action. Proposed solutions include technical measures on smartphones and tablets to detect and block such content for minors, while adults would still be able to access it through age verification.

Across Europe, regulatory efforts are varied but show a clear trend. Denmark announced a ban for children under 15, though parents can grant access to some platforms for those aged 13 and up. France's top court, however, blocked a similar ban for under-15s, citing freedom of expression concerns. Germany allows minors aged 13 to 16 to use social media with parental consent, though child protection advocates deem these controls insufficient. Greece is reportedly close to announcing a ban for under-15s.

In Asia, Malaysia has begun barring individuals under 16 from registering social media accounts. Italy requires parental consent for social media sign-ups for those under 14. Meanwhile, India's chief economic adviser has called for age restrictions, describing platforms as "predatory." These diverse measures reflect a global consensus that the current landscape of social media poses significant risks to young users, prompting governments to intervene with stricter regulations.