Currently, more than 20 countries are involved in such actions, with five already enforcing restrictions, as reported by AFP.
Most of these measures are new and aim to protect children under the ages of 15 or 16.
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An expert committee is set to present its recommendations to the European Commission on Monday concerning a potential ban on social media for children within the 27-member EU.
Existing Restrictions
In Australia, social media access has been restricted for those under 16 since December 2025. Brazil enacted a law in March that mandates platforms to connect accounts of users aged under 16 to their parents’ accounts while also verifying users’ ages.
In China, government regulation has progressively limited minors’ access to social media since 2019.
Initial measures included time constraints and curfews on online gaming; these restrictions were extended in 2023 to social media and streaming services.
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Indonesia has had social media restrictions for under-16s since March, while Malaysia enacted similar legislation in June excluding this age group from major platforms.
Turkey is on track to implement a ban on under-15s’ access to social media after passing legislation in April, with enforcement anticipated in late 2026.
Last month, the United Arab Emirates announced a ban on social media for those under 15, expected to be in effect within a year.
Announced Restrictions
In the EU, the Greek government indicated in early April its intention to prohibit social media access for under-15s starting January 1, 2027.
Austria and Slovenia are also working on laws to ban access for under-14s and under-15s, respectively.
In Germany, Chancellor Friedrich Merz is in favor of restricting or banning social media for children, and an expert commission has put forth two proposals: an age-based ban or specific platform limitations.
A similar discussion is occurring in Sweden, where a government commission has suggested a ban on social media for under-15s by early 2028.
The Irish government has indicated it may legislate independently if no EU decision is reached.
Also Read: The US lags other countries in social media restrictions for kids, but a reform push is growing
In Denmark, the government announced in October 2025 plans to propose a ban on “multiple social media platforms” for under-15s.
Outside the EU, Norway’s government is preparing to present a bill aimed at banning access for individuals under 16 by the end of the year.
The UK is planning to prohibit social media for under-16s by early 2027.
Canada is also striving to establish a minimum age of 16 for social media use.
Several Indian states are contemplating restrictions for kids, with the government engaging in discussions with platforms regarding potential measures.
Under Review
A proposal to ban social media for those under 15 is currently progressing through France’s parliament.
The National Assembly approved the initial reading of the bill in January, but the Senate amended it to focus only on the most harmful platforms, raising concerns in Brussels.
A final legislative version is anticipated soon, with hopes for it to take effect in September.
Portugal is evaluating a bill that would set the minimum age for independent access to platforms, services, games, and applications at 16.
Spain has suggested increasing the minimum age for registering on social media from 14 to 16.
In Italy, lawmakers are considering legislation that would prohibit social media use for children under the age of 15.
