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

Rising Concerns Prompt Government Action

Governments worldwide are closely watching Australia’s bold move to prohibit minors from accessing platforms such as Facebook and TikTok. The decision reflects growing anxiety over the psychological, emotional, and physical effects that unrestricted social‑media use can have on young people.

What Australia’s Ban Entails

Australia’s new legislation requires all social‑media companies to verify users’ ages and block accounts belonging to anyone under 18, unless parental consent is provided. Failure to comply could result in hefty fines and restrictions on operating within the country.

Potential Candidates for Similar Restrictions

Several nations are already debating comparable measures. Below is a shortlist of countries most likely to follow Australia’s lead:

• Canada – Federal and provincial lawmakers have introduced bills that would mandate age verification and limit targeted advertising to minors.
• United Kingdom – The UK’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport is consulting on a “digital safety” framework that could include a ban on unsupervised social‑media use for those under 16.
• Germany – After recent court rulings on data protection, German policymakers are considering stricter controls on children’s access to algorithm‑driven content.
• South Korea – Known for its “Cinderella Law” limiting gaming hours for youths, South Korea is exploring extensions of the policy to encompass social‑media platforms.
• New Zealand – With a strong focus on child welfare, the government is reviewing proposals to require parental consent for any social‑media activity by users under 13.

Key Arguments Behind the Push

Health Risks: Studies link excessive screen time to anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances among adolescents.

Data Privacy: Children’s personal information is often harvested without adequate consent, raising serious privacy concerns.

Manipulative Algorithms: Platforms use sophisticated algorithms to keep users engaged, which can amplify harmful content and create echo chambers.

Challenges and Criticisms

Critics argue that outright bans may drive youngsters to circumvent restrictions using VPNs or alternative apps, potentially exposing them to even greater risks. Others emphasize the importance of digital literacy education over prohibitive policies.

Looking Ahead

As the debate intensifies, the next wave of legislation will likely balance protective measures with practical enforcement. Whether through age‑verification systems, parental‑control tools, or outright bans, governments are poised to reshape the digital landscape for the next generation.