A growing number of countries are moving to restrict children’s access to social media, citing concerns about cyberbullying, addiction, mental health problems and online safety. The latest country to join the trend is the United Kingdom, where Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on June 15 that the government plans to ban social media use for children under 16. The proposed UK restrictions would apply to major platforms including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X. Messaging services such as WhatsApp and Signal would remain exempt. The government also plans to introduce age limits for certain artificial intelligence services, requiring AI “romantic companion” chatbots to restrict access to users over 18. Experts have questioned whether a blanket ban would work in practice. However, Starmer defended the proposal and said he believes authorities can enforce it. He added that the restrictions could take effect by spring 2027. The UK’s announcement comes as governments around the world introduce stricter controls on young users’ access to social media platforms. Australia Leads Global Crackdown Australia became the world’s first country to implement a nationwide social media ban for children under 16 in December 2025. The law blocks access to Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, Twitch and Kick. The Australian government excluded WhatsApp and YouTube Kids from the restrictions. Authorities require social media companies to use multiple age verification methods and prohibit them from relying solely on self-declared ages. Companies that fail to comply could face fines of up to A$49.5 million, equivalent to about $34.4 million. Read More: The End of Social Media for Under-16s? UK Unveils Tough Plan Several European countries have followed Australia’s lead. Austria plans to ban social media for children up to age 14, while Denmark aims to prohibit access for users under 15. Denmark’s government has also developed a “digital evidence” application that includes age verification technology. France’s lower house approved legislation in January that would ban social media access for children under 15. The measure still requires Senate approval. French President Emmanuel Macron has supported the proposal as a way to reduce excessive screen time among young people. Germany, Spain, Poland and Slovenia have also discussed or drafted legislation targeting social media access for minors. Governments Cite Safety Concerns Many governments argue that social media platforms expose children to harmful content and unhealthy online behavior. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced that Greece will block social media access for children under 15 beginning in January 2027. He said the move aims to tackle rising anxiety, sleep problems and addictive platform designs. Outside Europe, Indonesia plans to ban social media use for children under 16, targeting platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live and Roblox. Malaysia also intends to introduce similar restrictions this year. Read More: Students Watched Online: UK Universities Accused of Spying on Students’ Social Media Turkey’s parliament recently passed legislation restricting social media access for children under 15. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan must still approve the bill before it becomes law. Supporters argue that stronger protections are necessary as children spend more time online. Critics disagree. Amnesty Tech and other digital rights groups have warned that age verification systems may threaten privacy and increase government surveillance. Despite those concerns, momentum continues to build. More governments now view stricter regulation as a key tool to protect young users from online risks while reshaping how future generations engage with social media.