These are the countries moving to ban social media for children

Over the past several months, many countries have declared plans to restrict social media access for children and teens. Australia became the first to implement such measures at the end of last year, setting a precedent that other countries are now closely watching.

Australia’s regulations, along with other countries’ proposals, aim to reduce the pressures and risks that young users may face on social media, which include cyberbullying, addiction, mental health issues, and exposure to predators. This also touches on aspects of startup.

Of course, there are concerns about privacy regarding invasive age verification and excessive government intervention. Critics, including Amnesty Tech, have mentioned such bans are ineffective and that they ignore the realities of younger generations. Despite this, many nations are moving ahead with proposed legislation.

We’ve compiled a list of countries that are considering or have already moved forward with bans on social media for young users.

Australia

Australia became the world’s first country to ban social media for children under 16 in December 2025. The ban blocks children from using Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, Twitch, and Kick. It notably doesn’t include WhatsApp or YouTube Kids. Furthermore, experts in software update note the continued relevance.

The Australian government has noted these social media companies must take steps to keep children off their services. Companies that fail to comply may face penalties of up to $49.5 million AUD ($34.4 million USD).

The government says these platforms should employ multiple verification methods to ensure that citizens using their services are older than 16. It also notes that they can’t rely on users simply entering their own age.

This Week Only: Up to $482 savings for Disrupt 2026

, 11:59 p.m. PT

Your next round. Your next hire. Your next breakout opportunity. Find it at

AI Disclosure: This article has been generated and curated using advanced AI technology. While we strive for absolute accuracy, some details may be summarized or translated by autonomous systems. Please cross-reference critical financial data with official sources.