What's happened
As of early 2026, Australia has implemented a ban on social media access for children under 16, prompting France to prepare similar legislation banning under-15s from social media starting September 2026. Other countries including Denmark, Norway, and Malaysia are considering comparable measures amid rising concerns over youth mental health and online harms. The bans target platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X, aiming to protect young people from exposure to harmful content and addictive behaviors.
What's behind the headline?
Rising Global Concern Over Youth Social Media Use
The wave of social media bans for minors reflects escalating alarm about the psychological and social impacts of digital platforms on children and teenagers. Governments are responding to studies linking excessive screen time and exposure to violent or inappropriate content with increased anxiety, depression, and even tragic outcomes such as suicides.
Policy as a Public Health Intervention
These bans represent a shift toward treating social media access as a public health issue rather than solely a matter of personal choice or parental control. Australia's pioneering law, now active, sets a precedent that other nations are eager to emulate, signaling a new era of regulatory intervention.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite broad support, critics question enforceability and raise privacy concerns. The bans may drive youth to unregulated or foreign platforms, as seen with Australian teens migrating to Chinese apps like RedNote. Moreover, tech companies argue that their existing safeguards suffice and warn of unintended consequences.
Political and Social Dynamics
France's President Macron is positioning the ban as a legacy issue, aiming to protect youth amid a divided parliament. In the UK, political debate lags behind public opinion, with calls from MPs and child safety advocates to follow Australia's lead.
Forecast and Impact
The bans will likely prompt further legislative efforts worldwide, with more countries adopting age restrictions or usage limits. For families and educators, these policies will reshape how young people engage with digital media, potentially reducing exposure to harmful content but also raising questions about digital literacy and access.
What This Means for Readers
Parents should anticipate stricter controls on children's social media use and prepare for shifts in digital habits. Young users may seek alternative platforms or workarounds, underscoring the need for comprehensive education on safe online behavior alongside regulation.
What the papers say
The Independent's Nina Lloyd highlights the stark warnings from Jonathan Hall KC about the dangers of AI-driven extremist content online, emphasizing the urgency behind social media restrictions. Business Insider UK provides detailed coverage of Australia's ban and France's legislative plans, noting the growing momentum among countries like Denmark, Norway, and Malaysia. The New York Times and France 24 report on France's draft bill banning social media for under-15s, citing strong parental support and government prioritization. The Mirror offers insight into UK public opinion, revealing widespread backing for similar bans and political calls for action. SBS explores the unintended consequence of Australian teens migrating to Chinese platforms like RedNote, illustrating enforcement challenges. These varied perspectives collectively paint a picture of a global policy shift driven by mental health concerns, political will, and societal demand, while also acknowledging practical and ethical complexities.
How we got here
Growing evidence links social media use to mental health issues among youth, including anxiety, depression, and exposure to harmful content. Australia led the way by enacting a ban on social media for under-16s in December 2025. France, Denmark, Norway, and Malaysia are following suit with similar proposals, reflecting a global trend to regulate young people's online access amid mounting public and political pressure.
Go deeper
- How are countries enforcing social media bans for minors?
- What are the mental health impacts linked to youth social media use?
- Are there alternatives for teens banned from mainstream social media?
Common question
-
Latest Tech & Social Media Changes: What’s New in 2025?
2025 has brought a wave of exciting updates across social media, AI, and fitness apps. From new platform features to regulatory changes, users are experiencing a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Curious about what’s happening now? Here are the key updates you need to know, along with answers to common questions about these shifts.
-
How Is AI Changing Social Media and Dating Apps?
Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing how we connect online. From smarter matchmaking to new features on social platforms, AI is making digital interactions more personalized and engaging. But what does this mean for users? How safe are these new tools? And what should we expect next? Below, we explore the key ways AI is transforming our digital lives and answer common questions about this rapidly evolving landscape.
-
Should Under-16s Be Banned from Social Media in the UK?
The UK government is currently debating whether to ban social media for under-16s, following Australia's recent move to restrict access for minors. With strong public support and concerns over mental health, safety, and digital wellbeing, this topic is sparking widespread discussion. Many wonder what the implications are for young people's online lives, their safety, and their freedom. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this controversial proposal.
-
Why Are Israeli Strikes in Gaza Increasing Now?
The escalation of Israeli military operations in Gaza has raised many questions. Why are the strikes intensifying despite ongoing international efforts for peace? What’s driving this renewed violence, and what does it mean for civilians caught in the crossfire? Below, we explore the key factors behind the recent surge in Gaza's conflict and what might happen next.
-
What Are the Key Global News Stories Today?
Stay informed with the latest updates on major conflicts, political shifts, and humanitarian crises happening around the world. From the UK’s efforts to rebuild ties with the EU to escalating violence in Gaza and rising unrest in Syria, these stories shape our global landscape. Curious about how different regions are responding or how to stay updated? Keep reading for clear answers to your most pressing questions.
-
Why Are Countries Banning Social Media for Under-15s?
Many countries are moving to restrict social media access for children under 15. This trend aims to protect young users from online risks like cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and mental health issues. But what exactly are these bans, and how effective are they? Below, we explore the reasons behind these laws, how they differ across nations, and what they mean for parents and teens alike.
-
Are Social Media Bans for Teens Common Worldwide?
With countries like France and Australia moving to restrict social media access for under-15s, many wonder how widespread these bans are and what they mean for youth online safety. This page explores the global trend of youth social media restrictions, the reasons behind them, and what the future might hold for online regulation of young users.
-
Why Is France Banning Social Media for Under-15s?
France's move to ban social media for children under 15 has sparked global interest. With concerns over mental health, cyberbullying, and sleep disruption, many are asking: what’s behind this legislation? How does it compare to other countries’ efforts? And what does it mean for teens worldwide? Below, we explore the reasons behind France’s new rules and what other nations are considering.
More on these topics
-
Australia, officially known as the Commonwealth of Australia, is a sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands.
-
France, officially the French Republic, is a country consisting of metropolitan France in Western Europe and several overseas regions and territories.
-
Emmanuel Jean-Michel Frédéric Macron is a French politician who has been President of France and ex officio Co-Prince of Andorra since 14 May 2017.
-
Match Group, Inc. is an Internet company headquartered in Dallas that owns and operates several online dating services including Tinder, Match.com, Meetic, OkCupid, Hinge, PlentyOfFish, and OurTime.
-
Bumble is a location-based social application that facilitates communication between interested users. In heterosexual matches, only female users can make the first contact with matched male users, while in same-sex matches either person can send a messag
-
OpenAI is an artificial intelligence research laboratory consisting of the for-profit corporation OpenAI LP and its parent company, the non-profit OpenAI Inc.
-
Facebook, Inc. is an American social media conglomerate corporation based in Menlo Park, California. It was founded by Mark Zuckerberg, along with his fellow roommates and students at Harvard College, who were Eduardo Saverin, Andrew McCollum, Dustin Mosk
-
TikTok/Douyin is a Chinese video-sharing social networking service owned by ByteDance, a Beijing-based Internet technology company founded in 2012 by Zhang Yiming.
-
ChatGPT is a prototype artificial intelligence chatbot developed by OpenAI that focuses on usability and dialogue. The chatbot uses a large language model trained with reinforcement learning and is based on the GPT-3.5 architecture.
-
Tinder is easily combustible material used to start a fire. Tinder is a finely divided, open material which will begin to glow under a shower of sparks. Air is gently wafted over the glowing tinder until it bursts into flame.
-
Business Insider is an American financial and business news website founded in 2009 and owned by the German publishing house Axel Springer. It operates 14 national editions and an international edition. Several national editions are published in local lan
-
YouTube is an American online video-sharing platform headquartered in San Bruno, California. Three former PayPal employees—Chad Hurley, Steve Chen, and Jawed Karim—created the service in February 2005.