Global Push Strengthens Age Restrictions on Children’s Social Media Access Amid Health Concerns
GDANSK: In a significant move to safeguard the well-being of minors, Australia has become the first country to implement a ban on social media access for children under 16. This legislation, effective from December 10, 2025, restricts access to popular platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. The law represents one of the most stringent regulatory measures targeting major tech companies, with non-compliance penalties reaching up to A$49.5 million (approximately $34.9 million).
Australia Leads the Charge
Australia’s landmark legislation aims to address growing concerns regarding the impact of social media on children’s health and safety. By enforcing strict age restrictions, the government seeks to mitigate risks associated with online exposure for younger users. This initiative has set a precedent that other nations are now considering.
Developments in the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is also moving towards stricter regulations. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to approve a ban on social media for children under 16 by Christmas, with implementation expected in Spring 2027. Additionally, the government is pushing for tech companies to develop solutions that prevent the circulation of nude images among minors, emphasizing the need for age verification processes.
China’s Unique Approach
China has introduced a “minor mode” program, which enforces device-level restrictions and app-specific rules to manage screen time based on age. This initiative reflects the country’s ongoing efforts to regulate digital content and protect younger audiences from potential harm.
European Initiatives
Several European countries are also taking steps to restrict social media access for minors. Denmark plans to ban social media for children under 15, while allowing parental access for those aged 13 and older. France’s parliament recently approved legislation prohibiting children under 15 from opening social media accounts, with a grace period for existing accounts until January 2026.
Germany allows minors aged 13 to 16 to use social media only with parental consent, although advocates argue that current controls are inadequate. Meanwhile, Greece is reportedly close to announcing a similar ban for children under 15.
Global Perspectives
In India, the chief economic adviser has called for age restrictions on social media, labeling platforms as “predatory” in their engagement strategies. This follows discussions in Goa about implementing measures akin to Australia’s. Italy requires parental consent for children under 14 to create social media accounts, while Malaysia has begun barring those under 16 from registering.
Norway’s government proposed raising the minimum age for social media consent from 13 to 15, with ongoing efforts to establish a firm age limit. Poland’s ruling party is preparing legislation to ban social media for children under 15 and hold platforms accountable for age verification.
Slovenia is drafting a law to restrict access for children under 15, and Spain is advancing new regulations to enhance the safety of social networks, with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez advocating for a ban on access for minors under 16.
Legislative Movements in the United States
In the United States, the Kids Online Safety Act has gained traction, with Republican Senator Ted Cruz expressing support for the bill aimed at enhancing protections for children and teenagers on social media platforms. This legislation seeks to compel companies to exercise reasonable care in designing features that could harm minors. Various states have enacted laws requiring parental consent for minors to access social media, although these measures have faced legal challenges.
European Union’s Stance
The European Union is also taking steps to bolster protections for children against harmful social media features. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced plans for the Digital Fairness Act, targeting addictive and harmful design practices. The European Parliament has called for an EU-wide ban on access to online platforms for children under 16 without parental consent, with an outright ban for those under 13.
Industry Response
Major social media platforms, including TikTok, Facebook, and Snapchat, currently require users to be at least 13 to create accounts. However, child protection advocates argue that these measures are insufficient, as data indicates a significant number of children under 13 possess social media accounts.
The global trend towards stricter age restrictions reflects a growing recognition of the potential risks associated with social media use among children and the need for comprehensive regulatory frameworks to protect their health and safety.
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Published on 2026-07-22 09:08:00 • By the Editorial Desk
