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

Australia’s Trailblazing Move

In early 2024, the Australian government announced a nationwide ban that prevents anyone under 18 from creating or using accounts on major social‑media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. The policy, which will be enforced through age‑verification technology, aims to curb the rising tide of mental‑health issues, cyberbullying and screen‑time addiction among young Australians.

Why Governments Are Growing Concerned

Public health experts have linked excessive use of short‑form video apps to anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances in teenagers. Recent studies indicate that up to 70 % of Australian teens experience negative emotional effects after scrolling through these platforms. Parents, educators and medical professionals have therefore urged policymakers to act before the problem escalates.

Countries Watching the Australian Example

Australia’s bold step has sparked a wave of interest across the globe. Several governments are now reviewing similar measures:

• New Zealand – The Ministry of Health has commissioned a task force to explore age‑based restrictions and digital‑wellness curricula for schools.
• United Kingdom – Parliament is debating a bill that would require platforms to verify users’ ages and limit algorithmic content for minors.
• Canada – A federal committee is consulting with child‑psychology experts about a possible “digital safe‑zone” for youths under 16.
• Germany – The Federal Ministry for Family Affairs is piloting a regional trial that blocks certain social‑media apps on public Wi‑Fi networks for users under 18.
• South Korea – Lawmakers have proposed stricter curfews on online gaming and social media, citing rising rates of adolescent insomnia.

Potential Impacts on Children and Platforms

Should more nations adopt similar bans, the consequences could be far‑reaching:

• Reduced Exposure – Younger users would see fewer targeted advertisements and harmful content.
• Shift to Alternative Media – Platforms may see a surge in usage among older demographics, while younger audiences turn to private messaging apps or niche communities.
• Regulatory Pressure – Companies like Meta and ByteDance could face increased scrutiny, prompting them to develop stronger age‑verification tools and parental‑control features.

What Comes Next?

While Australia’s ban remains the most comprehensive to date, the global conversation is only beginning. Advocacy groups continue to push for stricter digital‑safety laws, and tech firms are scrambling to adapt to a landscape where “children’s online protection” may become a legal requirement rather than a voluntary policy.

Only time will tell which nation will be the next to follow Australia’s lead, but the trend suggests that the era of unrestricted social‑media access for minors could be drawing to a close.