In an unprecedented global movement, nations across the world are implementing stringent age-based restrictions on social media access for minors. Australia has emerged as the pioneering nation, enacting a landmark legislation in November 2024 that effectively bans children under 16 from accessing major platforms including TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook since December 10, 2025. This radical approach imposes severe penalties of up to A$49.5 million ($34.3 million) for non-compliant companies.
The Australian model has triggered a domino effect across continents. Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on January 20 that the government is considering similar restrictions, though specific age thresholds remain undefined. France’s National Assembly approved legislation on January 26 to ban social media for under-15s, while Denmark is moving to prohibit access for children under 15 with parental exemptions possible from age 13. Malaysia has declared intentions to implement bans for users under 16 starting 2026.
European nations are adopting varied approaches. Germany requires parental consent for minors aged 13-16, Italy mandates parental approval for those under 14, and Norway proposes raising the consent age from 13 to 15. The European Parliament has advocated for a harmonized EU digital age limit of 16 for social media access, though this resolution remains non-binding.
Asian responses demonstrate regional diversity. China has implemented a comprehensive ‘minor mode’ program with device-level restrictions and app-specific screen time limitations based on age. India’s tourist state Goa is evaluating restrictions mirroring Australia’s approach, signaling potential nationwide implications.
The United States maintains its Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act prohibiting data collection from children under 13 without parental consent, though state-level initiatives for broader restrictions have faced legal challenges on free speech grounds.
Despite tech industry self-regulation requiring users to be at least 13, child protection advocates argue these measures prove insufficient. Official European data reveals significant numbers of children under 13 maintain active social media accounts, highlighting the enforcement challenges facing these new regulatory frameworks.