The global push to limit children’s access to social media has gathered pace over the past two years, with governments introducing laws and regulations aimed at protecting minors from cyberbullying, harmful content, online predators and excessive screen time.
Australia became the first country to enact a nationwide social media ban for children under 16, setting off a wave of similar policies across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas. Since then, several countries have either implemented age-based restrictions or passed legislation that is awaiting enforcement.
While supporters argue the measures are necessary to safeguard children’s mental health and online safety, critics, including Telegram founder Pavel Durov, have questioned whether outright bans are effective.
Durov recently warned that prohibiting teenagers from using social media could push them toward VPNs and less-regulated online spaces.
“Banning social media for teenagers only puts them in greater danger. Teens are forced to switch to VPNs and unlock far worse illegal content.
“We’ve seen this before. When the Russian government banned Telegram, 95 per cent of Russian teenagers kept using it. They just moved to VPNs.
“No law can replace good parenting. Parents already have the tools to limit kids’ digital consumption through parental controls, screen-time limits or by delaying smartphone ownership,” he said.
Below is a chronological list of countries that have officially announced or enacted nationwide restrictions.
Australia became the first country in the world to implement a nationwide social media ban for children under 16 after the law came into force in December 2025.
The legislation bars under-16s from creating or maintaining accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, Snapchat, Reddit and YouTube. It does not allow exemptions through parental consent.
Technology companies are required to verify users’ ages using approved methods such as facial recognition or identity checks, with heavy financial penalties for non-compliance.
Indonesia became the first Asian country to enforce a nationwide under-16 social media restriction when its policy took effect in March 2026.
The regulation covers major platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Threads, YouTube and Roblox, requiring providers to identify and remove underage accounts as part of a broader child online protection initiative.
Brazil introduced stricter online safety rules in March 2026, requiring platforms to verify users’ ages and link accounts belonging to children under 16 to their parents or guardians.
The country’s reforms also prohibit minors from accessing certain online gaming features such as loot boxes, expanding child protection beyond traditional social media platforms.
Malaysia’s regulations took effect in June 2026, requiring major online platforms with millions of users to deploy electronic Know-Your-Customer (eKYC) systems to prevent children under 16 from opening or operating social media accounts.
The rules form part of the country’s wider Online Safety framework.
The UAE became the first Arab country to approve a nationwide social media age restriction after announcing a ban on social media accounts for children under 15 in June 2026.
The policy gives digital platforms one year to implement mandatory age-verification systems. It also introduces additional safeguards for users aged 15 and 16, including stronger privacy protections and screen-time controls.
The United Kingdom announced in June 2026 that it would ban children under 16 from accessing major social media platforms, with implementation targeted for 2027.
The proposed rules cover TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, X and YouTube, while also restricting minors’ access to some livestreaming services and AI companion chatbots. Messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Signal are exempt.
France became the first European country to pass legislation banning children under 15 from creating social media accounts after lawmakers approved the bill on July 21, 2026.
The law is scheduled to take effect on September 1, 2026. Existing users under 15 will also be required to close or verify their accounts under the new age-verification system.
Several other countries have announced plans or are considering similar legislation but have yet to implement nationwide bans.
This story was originally published in June 2026 and is updated regularly with new information.
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