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New Delhi: Countries from Australia to the United Kingdom are passing laws banning people under the age of 16 from using social media. Globally, people are trying to tackle the technological issues that affect the wellbeing of children. In Australia, the ban began in December 2025. In the United Kingdom, the law was announced on June 15, 2026.
The countries include Australia (since December 2025), Spain (since February 2026), Malaysia (since June 2026), Indonesia (since March 2026), United Kingdom (from Spring 2027), Greece (starting January 2027).
France introduced a similar ban for people aged below 15 but only with parental permission, which requires Senate agreement. Also, Denmark proposes an under-15 ban but allows parents to give their children access from the age of 13. Germany requires parental permission for children between the ages of 13 and 16.
According to the government, there are three reasons behind the law: mental well-being problems of adolescents (depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts), addictive algorithms that social media uses to attract more users, risks such as cyberbullying and interaction with strangers or adults who exploit young people. As Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer calls it protection against the digital wild west.
There is little evidence of effectiveness. For instance, in February 2026, a study showed there were no proofs showing a link between the use of social media and psychological problems.
Factors affecting people's wellbeing while interacting with various platforms involve individuals' personality traits, specific content, social media features, sleep quality, and family life conditions.
Moreover, the Children's Commissioner for Scotland argued that it would push people away to other sites where control is lacking. According to experts, bans are lazy solutions that do not address the issue of design and privacy breaches.
Researchers from Columbia University concluded that data was insufficient to back up the need for legislation. However, when adolescents limit themselves, mental health improves. Still, the bans might deprive them of the source of information and the ability to connect with friends.
Age verification system is used. Platforms that violate it in Australia may face fines of up to $49 million. The United Kingdom also plans to use the same enforcement. In Malaysia, it comes with penalties of up to $2.5 million.
So far, India does not have the ban at the national level. Karnataka state introduced a social media ban for minors on March 6, 2026. According to India's Chief Economic Advisor, social media platforms are predatory companies. At present, Indian focus is on digital literacy and Information Technology Rules.
Nations introduce bans assuming they protect the younger generation. However, scientists say that they should collaborate with businesses to develop safe platforms for the young and provide more education regarding proper usage.
