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

Governments worldwide are closely watching Australia’s bold move to prohibit minors from accessing platforms such as Facebook and TikTok. Growing concerns about the mental‑health, privacy, and safety risks associated with these apps are prompting other nations to consider similar restrictions.

Why Australia Took the Step

In early 2025, the Australian government introduced legislation that bars users under 18 from creating new accounts on major social‑media services. Key motivations include:

• Rising rates of anxiety, depression, and body‑image issues among teenagers.
• Evidence that algorithm‑driven content can amplify misinformation and extremist material.
• Calls from parents and educators for stronger digital‑wellness safeguards.

Prime Minister Alison Hart described the policy as “a necessary pause to reassess how we protect our youth in the digital age.”

Potential Candidates for a Ban

Several countries are now evaluating whether a similar approach could work within their own legal frameworks:

• Canada – Provincial health ministries have launched pilots that limit screen time for students, sparking national debate about a broader ban.
• United Kingdom – The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport is commissioning a review of age‑verification tools and has hinted at stricter age‑based restrictions.
• Germany – Following a recent court ruling on data protection, lawmakers are drafting measures to curb minors’ exposure to targeted advertising.
• New Zealand – The Ministry of Education is exploring “digital wellbeing zones” in schools, which could evolve into nationwide prohibitions.
• South Korea – With one of the highest rates of smartphone usage among teens, policymakers are considering a “night‑time curfew” for social‑media apps.

Key Concerns Driving the Move

Across the board, officials cite three primary worries:

1. Psychological impact – Studies link excessive scrolling to lower self‑esteem and increased risk of suicidal ideation.
2. Data privacy – Children’s personal information is often harvested without clear consent, raising legal and ethical red flags.
3. Online safety – Cyberbullying, grooming, and exposure to harmful content remain pervasive challenges.

What a Ban Might Look Like

While each nation would tailor the policy to its context, common elements could include:

• Mandatory age verification before account creation.
• Automatic de‑activation of accounts belonging to users under a specified age.
• Penalties for platforms that fail to comply, ranging from fines to temporary service suspensions.
• Educational campaigns aimed at parents, schools, and young people about responsible digital use.

Reactions and Challenges

Critics argue that bans may drive teenagers to shadow* platforms or use VPNs, undermining the policy’s effectiveness. Meanwhile, tech companies warn of “significant revenue loss” and stress the need for balanced solutions that protect children without stifling innovation.

As the debate unfolds, the world will be watching Australia’s experiment closely. Its outcomes could set a precedent, shaping how societies balance the benefits of connectivity with the imperative to safeguard the next generation.