Australia: An International Overview of Children’s Social Media Restrictions After Australia’s Ban

Australia: Reddit has launched a lawsuit against the government, citing the limitation as an infringement on free political expression, only days after Australia became the first nation to outlaw social media for minors under the age of sixteen. This comes after two adolescents acting on behalf of an Australian libertarian organization filed a previous judicial challenge. Though businesses like Meta started canceling under-16 accounts days earlier, the restriction didn’t go into force until December 10.

While parents, academics, and legislators across the world—including in India—are keenly monitoring the ban, young Australians are getting used to life without TikTok and Instagram. Similar regulations are being considered by nations like Denmark and Malaysia, and Australia’s experience might be used as a template. Most countries outside of Australia concentrate on age-gating instead than outright prohibiting it.

India
Although social networking for children is not expressly prohibited in India, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, mandates that platforms get verified parental agreement before processing data belonging to minors, who are classified as those under the age of 18. Additionally, the rule limits monitoring and targeted advertising and forbids data processing that might endanger children.

The European Union
Although the EU’s Digital Services Act limits political disinformation, it doesn’t particularly address the negative effects of social media on children. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, is researching how Australia handles algorithms that take advantage of children’s weaknesses. A ban on social media for those under 16 was recently advocated for by the European Parliament, and some EU countries are now implementing trial age verification programs.

France
Although it hasn’t been implemented yet, France needs parental approval before allowing under-15s to register accounts. The nation is also considering a 10-hour daily restriction for teenagers between the ages of 15 and 18 and a prohibition for children under the age of 15.

In July 2025, Norway announced intentions to limit under-15s’ use to social media, highlighting children’s rights such as information access and freedom of speech.

Denmark
In November 2025, Denmark issued a restriction for users under the age of 15, with a parental override for those between 13 and 14. Timelines for legislation and implementation are yet unknown.

Age verification is primarily required by US state legislation for websites with explicit material. President Trump has criticized Australia’s restriction, and Congress has called for Australia’s eSafety Commissioner in response to concerns from US tech businesses.

The New Zealand
After an examination by a parliamentary committee, New Zealand proposes to enact similar laws. Early in 2026, a report is anticipated.

Malaysia
Following the introduction of licensing, age verification, and content safety standards for platforms with more than eight million users in January 2025, Malaysia will begin banning minors under the age of sixteen from social media in 2026.

Korea
Although South Korea has decided against banning social media, it will begin limiting the use of mobile devices in schools in March 2026.