Turkey has become the latest country to ban children from social media, passing a bill on 23 April that restricts access for those under 15. The legislation also creates secure digital spaces for younger users and encourages controlled use of platforms. This move aligns with a global trend as nations grapple with the impact of social media on children's health and safety.
Australia's Landmark Ban
Australia made history in December 2025 by becoming the first nation to ban social media for children under 16. Platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook must block minors or face fines up to A$49.5 million ($35.3 million).
European Actions
Austria
Austria announced in March a ban on social media for children up to age 14, with draft legislation expected by June.
Denmark
Denmark plans to ban social media for children under 15, though parents can allow access for children as young as 13 on certain platforms.
France
France's National Assembly approved a bill in January to ban children under 15 from social media, citing online bullying and mental health risks. The bill awaits Senate approval.
Germany
Minors aged 13-16 can use social media only with parental consent, but advocates say controls are insufficient.
Greece
Greece will ban social media for children under 15 from 1 January 2027.
Norway
Norway will present a bill by end of 2026 to ban children under 16 from social media, making tech companies responsible for age verification.
Poland
Poland's ruling party is preparing legislation to ban social media for children under 15 and hold platforms accountable for age verification.
Portugal
Portugal's parliament approved a bill in February requiring parental consent for children aged 13-16 to access social media, with fines up to 2% of global revenue for non-compliance.
Slovenia
Slovenia is drafting a law to prohibit children under 15 from accessing social media.
Spain
Spain will ban social media for minors under 16 and require platforms to implement age verification systems.
Other Nations
Brazil
Brazil's Digital Statute requires minors under 16 to link accounts to a legal guardian and bans addictive features like infinite scroll, effective March.
Britain
Britain is considering an Australia-style ban and tighter AI chatbot safety rules for under-16s. It will test social media bans, curfews, and app time limits in 300 teenagers' homes.
China
China's "minor mode" programme imposes device-level restrictions and app-specific screen time limits based on age.
India
Karnataka became the first Indian state to ban social media for children under 16 in March. Goa and Andhra Pradesh are considering similar measures.
Indonesia
Indonesia will restrict social media access for children under 16, gradually deactivating accounts on high-risk platforms from 28 March.
Italy
Children under 14 need parental consent for social media accounts.
Malaysia
Malaysia will ban social media for children under 16 starting in 2026.
Turkey
Turkey's parliament passed a bill on 23 April restricting social media access for children under 15 and creating secure digital spaces for controlled use.
United States
The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act prohibits collecting data from children under 13 without parental consent. Several states have passed laws requiring parental consent for minors, but they face court challenges on free speech grounds.
EU Legislation
The European Parliament in November agreed on a non-binding resolution calling for a minimum age of 16 on social media and a harmonised EU digital age limit of 13 for social media and video-sharing services.
Tech Industry
Platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Snapchat require users to be at least 13. However, child protection advocates say controls are insufficient, and official data shows many children under 13 have accounts.
