After Australia, Which Countries Could Be Next to Ban Social Media for Children?

Governments around the world are closely monitoring Australia’s bold move to restrict children’s access to major social‑media platforms such as Facebook and TikTok. Growing concerns over the mental‑health, privacy and safety risks associated with these apps have sparked a wave of legislative scrutiny.

Why Australia Took the Leap

In 2024, the Australian government announced a comprehensive framework that limits the use of social‑media services for users under 18 years of age. The policy requires platforms to verify ages, provide parental‑control tools, and impose daily usage caps. Officials cited rising rates of anxiety, depression, and cyberbullying among teenagers as the primary drivers behind the decision.

Potential Contenders for Similar Bans

Several nations are now weighing comparable restrictions. Below is a snapshot of the countries most frequently mentioned in policy debates:

• United Kingdom – The UK’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport has launched a public consultation on mandatory age‑verification and screen‑time limits for minors.
• Canada – Provincial lawmakers in Ontario and British Columbia are drafting bills that would require parental consent before children can create accounts on major platforms.
• Germany – Following the “Youth Protection Act,” German regulators are exploring stricter enforcement of the existing “Jugendschutz” rules for online services.
• France – French authorities have signaled interest in extending the “Digital Republic” legislation to include mandatory safety features for under‑18 users.
• New Zealand – The Ministry of Education is piloting a program that educates schools on digital well‑being while also discussing potential legal limits on social‑media usage.

Key Arguments Driving the Debate

Health concerns: Numerous studies link excessive social‑media consumption with sleep disturbances, low self‑esteem, and heightened risk of suicidal thoughts among adolescents.

Data privacy: Young users often share personal information without fully understanding the long‑term implications, making them vulnerable to data mining and targeted advertising.

Online safety: The prevalence of cyberbullying, predatory behavior, and exposure to extremist content has prompted calls for stricter protective measures.

Opposition and Challenges

Critics argue that bans could drive children to unregulated alternatives, undermine freedom of expression, and place an undue burden on families. Tech companies also warn that heavy‑handed regulation might stifle innovation and limit the educational benefits that social platforms can provide.

What the Future May Hold

As more governments evaluate Australia’s approach, the next few years could see a patchwork of national policies ranging from voluntary age‑verification schemes to outright bans for minors. International cooperation, clear guidelines, and robust digital‑literacy programs will likely be essential in shaping a balanced solution that protects young users without curtailing their access to valuable online resources.