British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday, June 15, announced plans to ban social media access for children under 16, saying the move would help p…
1/10The United Kingdom plans a ban for under-16s | The UK announced plans to restrict social media access for children under 16. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the government would introduce restrictions on major platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram, while also looking at gaming and livestreaming services that allow children to interact with strangers. Starmer said the changes would focus on protecting children online and addressing concerns over the influence of large technology companies. (Image: Reuters)
2/10Australia became the first country to ban social media for under-16s | Australia introduced one of the world’s strictest social media rules by blocking children under 16 from creating or keeping accounts on major platforms. The law covers platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, with companies responsible for preventing underage access. The move came after concerns around children’s mental health, online safety and exposure to harmful content. Australia’s decision has encouraged other countries to consider similar measures.
3/10Malaysia bans social media accounts for children under 16 | Malaysia has introduced rules preventing children under 16 from creating social media accounts, making it one of the latest countries to bring in strict age-based online restrictions. Platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube are expected to use age-verification systems and block underage registrations as part of efforts to improve child safety online.
4/10Indonesia restricts access for under-16s | Indonesia has introduced rules preventing children under 16 from creating accounts on several major digital platforms, including TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, X and Roblox. The government said the move aims to protect children from harmful content, cyberbullying, online scams and excessive screen time.
5/10Canada proposes social media ban for under-16s | Canada has introduced legislation that could restrict social media access for children under 16, making it one of the latest countries to consider stronger online safety rules. The proposal includes greater responsibilities for platforms to protect young users and also outlines new rules for AI chatbot services amid concerns over children’s safety, harmful content and online risks.
6/10France moves towards stricter age limits | France has been pushing for stronger online protections for children, including restrictions on social media access for younger users. The government has supported age verification measures to prevent children from joining platforms without proper checks. French officials have said stricter rules are needed to protect children from online harms, including cyberbullying and addictive platform features.
7/10Greece plans social media ban for children under 15 | Greece is preparing restrictions that would block children under 15 from accessing social media platforms. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has highlighted concerns around children’s mental health, sleep problems and the addictive design of online platforms. The proposed move is part of Greece’s wider push for stronger digital safety rules for children.
8/10Norway backs stricter social media curbs | Norway has backed plans to restrict social media access for children, with proposals focused on limiting access for users under 16 and making technology companies responsible for age verification. The government has cited concerns over algorithms, excessive screen use and children’s online safety, while also exploring cooperation with India on responsible artificial intelligence frameworks.
9/10India’s states explore social media restrictions for children | India has also entered the global debate on children’s social media use, with Karnataka announcing plans to restrict access for children under 16. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the move was aimed at addressing concerns around excessive mobile use and its impact on children’s health and education. Andhra Pradesh has announced plans to restrict social media access for children below 13, while discussions continue on rules for older teenagers.
10/10Other countries review social media rules | Several countries, including Italy, Denmark, Spain, Portugal and Finland, have been examining stricter rules around children’s use of social media. Governments are exploring different approaches, including age verification, parental consent and limits on certain platform features, as the debate over children’s digital safety continues worldwide.
