Will children no longer be able to use social media? Preparations for bans are underway in over 20 countries.

Social Media Ban for Kids: Australia banned social media for children last December. Now, more than 20 countries worldwide are deliberating similar decisions.

Social Media Ban for Kids: Is a global ban on social media for children on the horizon? This question arises because the policy experiment Australia initiated—banning social media—is now becoming a global trend. Following Australia, several nations—including the UAE—have already restricted social media access for children under 16, while others are considering it; the total number of such countries exceeds 20. Recently, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Australia’s decision, sparking speculation that the Indian government might also consider a similar move.

Total bans in 5 countries; preparations underway elsewhere

According to a report, five countries have already banned children from using social media platforms, and many others are preparing to do so. Australia has had a ban on social media use for children under 16 in place since last December. China has enforced similar restrictions on minors since 2023. Indonesia banned social media use for children under 16 in March of this year, and Malaysia has introduced a similar rule. Turkey is set to ban these platforms for children later this year, while the UAE will do so starting next year.

These countries have also made announcements

Social media use for children will be banned in the UK and Greece starting in 2027, and in Sweden from 2028. Canada and Norway may introduce similar legislation this year. Countries such as Germany, Denmark, Ireland, Austria, and Slovenia have also signaled their intention to restrict social media access for children. Apart from these, similar laws are also being considered in France, Portugal, Spain, and Italy.

Why is social media being banned for children?

Social media is being banned due to its impact on children’s mental and physical health. Proponents of the ban argue that social media platforms were not designed with children in mind. Constant use is leading to an increase in issues such as depression, obesity, and anxiety among children. On the other hand, critics argue that a ban is ineffective; even with a ban, children will find other ways to access social media.