After Australia, Which Countries Might Soon Ban Social Media for Children?

Governments worldwide are closely watching Australia’s bold move to restrict children’s access to platforms such as Facebook and TikTok, as concerns about the digital environment’s impact on youth continue to mount.

Australia’s Groundbreaking Decision

In early 2025, the Australian government announced a series of regulations aimed at preventing minors from creating accounts on major social‑media sites. The policy, which will be phased in over the next two years, requires platforms to verify users’ ages and to block any under‑18 accounts unless parental consent is explicitly provided.

Why the World Is Paying Attention

The Australian model is being treated as a potential template for other nations because it directly addresses three core worries:

• Mental‑health risks – Studies linking heavy social‑media use to anxiety, depression, and low self‑esteem have surged.
• Data privacy – Children’s personal information is often harvested and used for targeted advertising.
• Online safety – Cyberbullying, grooming, and exposure to harmful content remain persistent threats.

Countries Likely to Follow Suit

Analysts point to several regions where similar legislation could appear within the next 12‑18 months:

1. United Kingdom

Britain has already introduced the Online Safety Bill, which mandates age verification for certain services. Lawmakers are now debating whether to extend those requirements to all social‑media platforms.

2. Canada

Provincial governments in Ontario and British Columbia have launched pilots that restrict app usage for minors after school hours. A federal push for nationwide age‑gating is expected later this year.

3. European Union Member States

Following the EU’s Digital Services Act, countries such as Germany, France, and the Netherlands are exploring stricter age‑verification protocols. A coordinated EU directive could make the ban effectively continent‑wide.

4. New Zealand

Given its close policy ties with Australia, New Zealand’s parliament is slated to debate a “Kids‑First” digital bill that mirrors Australia’s approach.

Expert Opinions

Dr. Maya Patel, a child‑psychology researcher at the University of Sydney, notes: “While outright bans might seem drastic, they force a conversation about responsible design and parental involvement.”

Conversely, tech‑industry analyst Jorge Mendes warns: “Heavy‑handed restrictions could drive youngsters to unregulated platforms, increasing the very risks governments aim to mitigate.”

Potential Challenges

Implementing age‑verification systems raises several practical and ethical concerns:

• Privacy vs. safety – Collecting birth‑date data could create new vulnerabilities.
• Enforcement – Determined teens may use fake IDs or VPNs to bypass restrictions.
• Global consistency – Platforms operate across borders, making uniform compliance difficult.

What This Means for Parents and Kids

Regardless of legislative outcomes, the trend signals a shift toward greater parental control and digital literacy education. Experts recommend that families:

1. Establish clear screen‑time limits.
2. Engage in open discussions about online content.
3. Use built‑in parental‑control tools or third‑party apps.

Looking Ahead

Australia’s experiment will likely serve as a litmus test for the efficacy of age‑based bans. If the policy demonstrates measurable improvements in youth wellbeing, it could accelerate a global wave of similar measures. Until then, the debate will continue to balance protective intent with the right to digital participation for the next generation.