These are the countries moving to ban social media for children | TechCrunch

"Australia became the world's first country to ban social media for children under 16 in December 2025, blocking access to platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. The government mandates that companies must implement age verification methods beyond self-reported ages, with penalties for non-compliance reaching up to $49.5 million AUD."

"Austria plans to ban social media for children up to the age of 14, with draft legislation expected to be finalized by June. This move reflects a growing trend among nations to restrict social media access for younger users to combat online risks."

"Denmark announced its intention to ban social media platforms for children under 15, securing governmental support for the initiative. This aligns with a broader international effort to address the challenges posed by social media on youth."

Several countries are enacting social media restrictions for children and teens to mitigate risks such as cyberbullying, addiction, and mental health issues. Australia has led the way by banning social media for children under 16, requiring companies to verify users' ages. Other nations, including Austria and Denmark, are also proposing similar bans. Critics raise concerns about privacy and the effectiveness of these measures, yet many governments continue to pursue legislation aimed at protecting young users from online dangers.

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