In a bold move that is sending shockwaves across the globe, Australia has become the first nation to implement a sweeping ban, barring anyone under the age of 16 from accessing major social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Enacted in December 2025, this aggressive policy, championed under the slogan "Let Them Be Kids," aims to shield children from the documented harms of social media use. The decision has ignited a fierce international debate, with several governments now actively weighing whether to follow Australia's lead or chart their own course on digital child protection.
Global Governments Weigh Their Response
The Australian law, while pioneering, has faced its share of skepticism. Critics question its enforceability, while technology companies and some privacy advocates have pushed back, warning that a blanket ban could drive young users to darker, less-regulated corners of the internet. Despite the controversy, the action has placed child online safety at the top of the legislative agenda for numerous countries.
Denmark is poised to potentially become the first European Union country to enact a national age limit. In November 2025, the Danish government unveiled a plan to prohibit anyone under 15 from using social media platforms. While slightly less restrictive than Australia's model—allowing parents to grant permission to children aged 13 and above—the proposal would still represent the EU's most sweeping curbs. Digital Affairs Minister Caroline Stage Olsen stated the move was a "necessary stand against a development where large tech platforms have had free rein in children’s rooms for far too long." The government aims to pass the law as early as 2026.
In Malaysia, authorities have announced plans for a similar ban starting in 2026. The communications ministry is exploring measures to force platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok to verify users' ages, potentially using electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) systems similar to those in finance. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil confirmed last week that he would consult Australian officials for guidance on implementation.
Divergent Approaches in Major Economies
Not every region is rushing toward an outright ban. The European Union, a historically tough tech regulator, is considering its options. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, in a September 2025 speech, praised Australia's "pioneering" restriction and emphasized that "parents, not algorithms, should be raising our children." She has convened an expert panel to advise on a bloc-wide response by year's end, with lawmakers in France, Spain, and Romania also floating similar ban ideas.
Britain has taken a different tack, leveraging existing privacy laws rather than imposing a blanket social media prohibition. A law passed in July 2025 requires users to prove they are over 18 to access online content deemed harmful, forcing pornography sites and some dating apps to implement age checks or face heavy fines.
In China, where Western platforms are already blocked, authorities have long imposed strict time limits on domestic alternatives. Following 2021 restrictions limiting video game play for minors to three hours per week, regulators proposed even tighter rules two years ago, suggesting daily smartphone time limits ranging from 40 minutes for children under 8 to two hours for those aged 16 to 18.
The Complex Landscape in the United States
Enacting a nationwide social media ban for children in the United States presents significant legal and political hurdles. While the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) restricts data collection from users under 13, a broad ban is complicated by state-level laws and robust free-speech protections. Several state-level attempts to restrict usage have faced immediate legal challenges in court, highlighting the contentious path forward in the US.
As nations from New Zealand to Romania watch closely, Australia's December 2025 ban has undeniably triggered a global conversation. The coming year will likely see a patchwork of regulations emerge, testing different models for balancing child safety, digital rights, and the immense power of social media algorithms. The core question remains: who is best positioned to protect children online—governments, parents, or the tech companies themselves?
