From Australia to Europe, countries move to curb children’s social media access
Australia leads a global trend by implementing the world’s first nationwide ban on social media for children under 16, effective December 10, 2025, targeting platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube with fines up to A$49.5 million for non-compliance. This move addresses concerns over mental health, bullying, grooming, and youth suicides linked to online harms.
Britain’s Online Safety Act, enacted in 2023, enforces age verification to shield minors from harmful content, though without a fixed ban age. France requires parental consent for under-15s since 2023, but enforcement faces technical hurdles; Germany mandates it for 13-16-year-olds, deemed insufficient by advocates; Italy applies it for under-14s.
Denmark plans a ban for under-15s with parental exemptions from age 13, backed by parliamentary majority. The EU Parliament’s non-binding November 2025 resolution pushes for a 16-year minimum age across social media and video services.
Norway proposes raising consent age to 15. Malaysia will ban under-16s next year. Platforms self-regulate at 13+ minimum, but underage use remains widespread.
