PARIS: Whereas initially this was just the national experiments in controlling the access of kids to social media, it has now grown into a global phenomenon. Over 20 countries around the world have taken steps to legislate or propose a ban on social media use or certain age restrictions for children in the social media – including five countries with existing social media age restrictions and many more that are advancing their legislation very rapidly.
Recommendations on whether a blanket ban on social media for children should be enforced are expected to be sent to the European Commission by an expert panel on Monday in what will be the largest digital market in the world.
For Australia, the most stringent ban enacted in December 2025 prohibits anyone below the age of 16 from using any social media platform, and the responsibility for implementation lies not with the user but the social media platform providers. Soon, Indonesia and Malaysia joined the trend in 2026, while Brazil took a different path.
Countries with Existing Laws that Have Not Started Yet
There are various countries which have enacted legislation on the global social media ban of children 2026 that have yet to start as follows:
- Turkey: has passed legislation banning under-15s in April 2026, expected to commence operation later in 2026
- United Arab Emirates: has banned children under-15 last month, with implementation within about a year’s time
- Greece: banned children under-15 starting from January 1, 2027
European Union – A Move With Potential to Set the World Standard
The approach that is being taken by the EU regarding the global social media ban kids 2026 campaign is highly significant for the whole world. A concerted effort among 27 nations who make up one of the largest consumer markets of the world will force the global social media platforms like Meta, Tiktok, Snapchat, and YouTube to also adopt the same approach.
The following national legislation is being developed within the EU:
- Austria: legislation that will ban access to those under 14 years old
- Slovenia: legislation that will be applicable to under-15s
- Germany: expert commission has recommended graded age limits or specific-platform prohibition of social media; Chancellor Merz proposes restricting or prohibiting social media for children
- Sweden: government commission proposed prohibition of social media for under-15s until early 2028
- Ireland – it was announced that Ireland is considering unilateral action should EU fail to act
- Denmark: in October 2025 it has been announced that Denmark plans to introduce a ban on “several social media platforms” for under-15s
- France: National Assembly adopted a bill at its first reading in January; Senate amended the bill making it target the most harmful social media platforms; the final version of legislation is expected in the coming weeks, September commencement is hoped for
- Portugal: considering the age of independent access to social media platforms at 16
- Spain: proposing increasing minimum age for social media registration from 14 to 16
- Italy: parliament is considering banning social media for under-15s
Further Beyond Europe – The Rest of the World is Also Moving
The international movement for a social media ban on children until 2026 continues worldwide:
- United Kingdom: aiming to implement ban on children under 16 years of age in early 2027
- Canada: plans to establish an age limit of 16 years for social media use
- Norway: the government will introduce legislation by year-end that will ban access for under-16 years
- India: different states considering restrictions while the central government negotiating with social media platforms
In those countries taking steps on this matter, the laws are directed at children under 15 or 16 years old; and almost all of these laws are extremely new, having been implemented within only the past two years of 2025 and 2026.
Nayab Fatima is a media professional specializing in fact-based journalism, research, and analytical reporting on technology, telecom, aviation, and automobiles.
