More than 20 countries move to curb children's social media access as EU weighs new rules

Governments across the world are tightening restrictions on children's use of social media, with more than 20 countries either enforcing, proposing or considering age-based limits. The renewed focus comes as an expert committee prepares to submit recommendations to the European Commission on Monday on whether the 27-nation EU should introduce a social media ban for children.

The European Union is examining possible measures to regulate children's access to social media following similar initiatives adopted elsewhere.

An expert committee is scheduled to present its recommendations to the European Commission on Monday regarding a potential social media ban for children across the bloc.

According to AFP, more than 20 countries have already implemented, announced or are considering comparable measures, with most targeting children under the ages of 15 or 16.

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Countries where restrictions are already in force

Australia has prohibited social media access for under-16s since December 2025.

Brazil introduced legislation in March requiring social media platforms to link accounts belonging to users under 16 to those of their parents while also mandating age verification.

In China, where internet access is tightly regulated by the state, restrictions on minors have gradually expanded since 2019. Initial rules imposed time limits and curfews on online gaming before similar measures were extended to social media and streaming platforms in 2023.

Indonesia has barred under-16s from social media since March, while Malaysia introduced comparable legislation in June, preventing users under 16 from accessing major platforms.

Turkey passed legislation in April banning social media use for under-15s, with the law expected to take effect in late 2026.

The United Arab Emirates also announced last month that it would prohibit social media access for under-15s, with implementation expected in about a year's time.

Countries preparing new restrictions

Within the EU, Greece announced in early April that it intends to ban social media access for under-15s from January 1, 2027.

Austria and Slovenia are drafting legislation that would prohibit access for under-14s and under-15s, respectively.

In Germany, Chancellor Friedrich Merz supports restricting or potentially banning children's access to social media. An expert commission has proposed either an age-based ban or restrictions tailored to specific platforms.

Sweden is also debating similar measures after a government commission proposed banning social media for under-15s by early 2028.

Ireland has warned it may introduce legislation if the European Union does not reach a common decision.

Denmark announced in October 2025 that it would propose banning "several social media platforms" for under-15s.

Outside the EU, Norway plans to introduce a bill by the end of the year to restrict access for those under 16.

The UK is considering a ban for under-16s by early 2027, while Canada wants to set the minimum age for social media use at 16.

Several states in India are also considering restrictions for children, and the government has said it is in discussions with social media platforms on possible measures.

Proposals still under consideration

France is debating legislation that would ban social media for children under 15.

The National Assembly approved the proposal at its first reading in January, but the Senate later amended it to apply only to the most harmful platforms, raising concerns in Brussels.

A final version is expected in the coming weeks, with the French government aiming for the law to take effect in September.

Portugal is considering legislation that would set the minimum age for independent access to platforms, services, games and applications at 16.

Spain has proposed raising the minimum age for registering on social media from 14 to 16.

Italy's parliament is also considering legislation that would ban social media use for children under 15.