The UK government has announced plans to ban social media for individuals under the age of 16, with the ban expected to take effect in early 2027. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the move as “the right step for Britain.” The restriction will apply to major platforms including Instagram, Facebook, X, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube.
The UK is not alone in this effort. A growing number of countries have already introduced similar restrictions to protect children from the harms of social media. Here are five countries that have implemented such measures:
1. Australia
Australia passed a law in 2024 banning social media for children under 16. Platforms face hefty fines for non-compliance, and the law requires age verification measures.
2. France
France introduced a law in 2023 requiring parental consent for children under 15 to create social media accounts. Platforms must verify ages and comply with strict penalties.
3. South Korea
South Korea has a law restricting children under 16 from using social media after 10 p.m., known as the “Cinderella Law,” aimed at preventing gaming and social media addiction.
4. China
China imposes strict limits on minors’ social media use, including a maximum of 40 minutes per day for those under 14 and a ban on late-night usage.
5. India
India has proposed guidelines requiring parental consent for children under 16 to access social media, with platforms mandated to implement robust age verification systems.
These countries represent a global trend toward stricter regulation of children’s online activities, with the UK poised to join their ranks.
