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

Background: Australia’s Groundbreaking Decision

In early 2025, the Australian government announced a sweeping plan to prohibit children under 18 from accessing major social‑media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. The move, driven by mounting concerns over mental‑health issues, online bullying, and data privacy, has sparked a global debate about the role of regulation in the digital age.

Why Governments Are Watching Closely

Experts say the Australian policy is being treated as a “test case” for other nations grappling with the same challenges. “If Australia can demonstrate measurable improvements in youth wellbeing, it could set a powerful precedent,” notes Dr. Maya Patel, a child‑psychology researcher at the University of Melbourne.

Potential Candidates for Similar Bans

1. United Kingdom

The UK’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport has already commissioned a review into the impact of social media on minors. A parliamentary inquiry last month highlighted alarming statistics on anxiety and sleep disruption among teens, prompting calls for stricter age‑verification tools or outright bans for users under 16.

2. Canada

Canada’s federal government is drafting the “Digital Youth Protection Act,” which would give provinces the authority to restrict access to certain platforms for children under 13. Provincial leaders in Ontario and British Columbia have expressed strong support for a nationwide approach.

3. New Zealand

Following Australia’s lead, New Zealand’s Ministry of Education announced a pilot program in several schools to block social‑media sites on school Wi‑Fi networks. Officials hint that a broader legislative ban could be on the horizon if the trial shows positive outcomes.

4. Germany

Germany’s Federal Ministry for Family Affairs has proposed a “Digital Safeguarding” bill that would require platforms to implement robust age‑verification systems. While not a full ban, the legislation could effectively limit children’s access to high‑risk apps.

5. South Korea

South Korea, already known for its “Cinderella Law” restricting late‑night gaming for minors, is exploring similar restrictions for social media. Lawmakers argue that the 24‑hour nature of platforms like TikTok poses unique risks that current regulations do not address.

What the Bans Might Look Like

Most proposals share common elements:

• Age verification: Mandatory checks before users can create accounts.
• Time limits: Caps on daily usage, often set at 30‑60 minutes for minors.
• Content filters: Blocking of explicit or harmful material automatically.
• Parental controls: Tools that allow guardians to monitor or restrict activity.

Critics and Concerns

While many health professionals praise the initiatives, critics warn of unintended consequences. Civil‑liberties groups argue that bans could drive teenagers to unregulated, underground platforms, making them harder to monitor. Additionally, tech companies claim that blanket restrictions may stifle innovation and limit the educational potential of social media.

Looking Ahead

The coming months will be crucial. As Australia begins to roll out its policy, governments worldwide will be watching the data closely—particularly metrics on mental‑health outcomes, cyberbullying rates, and overall screen time. Whether these early results will inspire a wave of similar bans or prompt a shift toward more nuanced regulation remains to be seen.

For now, the conversation continues: How can societies protect young people without sacrificing the benefits of digital connectivity?