Countries move to ban social media for children, starting with Australia

Multiple countries have announced plans in recent months to restrict social media access for children and teens. Australia became the first nation globally to implement such measures at the end of 2025, setting a precedent that other governments are now observing closely.

The regulations and proposals emerging from governments worldwide aim to mitigate the pressures and risks young users face online, including cyberbullying, addiction, mental health challenges, and exposure to predators. France is the latest country to announce a move in this direction.

However, these measures have also raised concerns regarding privacy, particularly around age verification processes, and the extent of governmental intervention. Critics, such as Amnesty Tech, argue that these bans are ineffective and fail to address the realities faced by younger generations. Despite these reservations, many nations are proceeding with proposed legislation.

The Australian ban, implemented in December 2025, targeted platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, and Reddit. This decision has sparked international debate and prompted other countries to consider similar restrictions, reflecting a growing global concern over the impact of social media on youth.