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In a move that reflects a growing concern over the impact of social media on youth, several countries are adopting measures to restrict access to these platforms for minors. The German Social Democratic Party (SPD) is looking to implement similar restrictions, taking cues from international examples. As the debate unfolds, understanding the regulatory landscape in various countries is crucial.
Australia has taken the lead globally, becoming the first country to enact a social media ban for users under 16 years. This legislation, which came into effect in December 2025, does not impose specific technical requirements on companies but threatens hefty fines for non-compliance. Australian authorities report that over 4.7 million accounts belonging to this age group have been disabled since the law’s implementation. Still, experts warn that many teenagers may try to circumvent these restrictions, prompting companies to continually adapt their verification technologies.
International Efforts to Regulate Youth Access to Social Media
Following Australia’s precedent, Spain has announced plans to introduce a similar ban on social media for individuals under 16. The Spanish government is also considering regulations that would require platforms to implement age verification systems. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has indicated that a draft law will be presented soon, calling on other European nations to adopt comparable measures.
In France, the National Assembly passed a law at the conclude of January 2026 that would prohibit social media usage for children and teenagers under the age of 15. This proposal is pending approval from the Senate. The legislation leaves some ambiguity regarding which specific social media platforms would be affected, though it clarifies that educational resources like “online encyclopedias” will be exempt.
UK and Scandinavian Initiatives
The United Kingdom’s House of Lords voted for a social media ban for minors under 16 in late January, mirroring Australia’s approach. Nonetheless, this decision awaits further action from the Labour-dominated House of Commons. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government has taken a cautious stance, initiating a three-month consultation period to weigh the pros and cons of such a ban. Public opinion appears to favor the move, with 74% of respondents supporting the initiative in a YouGov survey conducted in December 2025.
Denmark has also announced plans for a social media ban for children under 15, while allowing parents the option to grant access to platforms for children aged 13 and older. The Danish government aims to be one of the first EU nations to implement such restrictions and has expressed intentions to lead discussions at the EU level.
Emerging Strategies in Greece and the EU
In early February, the Greek government reported that it is nearing the introduction of a social media ban for children under 15. The government plans to enforce this restriction not only through social media platforms but also via a dedicated app named “Kids Wallet.” This application is designed to facilitate verified age checks and restrict access to platforms, as well as to block websites with adult content for users under 18.
At the European level, the European Parliament reached a non-binding resolution in November 2025, advocating for a minimum age of 16 for social media access. There is a push for a harmonized age limit of 13 for access to video-sharing platforms, indicating a collective European interest in safeguarding youth online.
Implications and Future Directions
As various nations capture steps to regulate social media usage among minors, the discussions center on balancing safety with access to information. The measures being proposed across different countries highlight a growing recognition of the potential risks associated with unrestricted social media access for young people.
As countries continue to explore and implement these restrictions, ongoing evaluation of their effectiveness will be crucial. Stakeholders, including parents, educators, and policymakers, will necessitate to engage in dialogue about the implications of these regulations for youth development and digital literacy.
Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts on the effectiveness of these measures and their potential impact on youth engagement in digital spaces.