From Australia to Europe, Countries Move to Curb Children's Social Media Access
Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that tech firms must prevent children from circulating nude images online or face legislative action forcing compliance.
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on June 15 that Britain plans to approve a social media ban for under-16s by Christmas, with enforcement beginning around Spring 2027.
- Concerns over children circulating nude images prompted Starmer's initial directive on June 8, while child protection advocates say existing controls remain insufficient and the European Union targets 'addictive and harmful design practices' in its Digital Fairness Act.
- Australia pioneered global restrictions by blocking social media for under-16s in December 2025, followed by France's parliamentary approval on July 21 for a ban on children under 15, with the UAE approving a 15-year minimum on June 18.
- France's July 21 legislation also prohibits mobile phone use in high schools and aims to protect children from reduced self-esteem and risky behaviours, though implementation may be delayed by constitutional review and lawmakers raised enforceability concerns.
- Sweden, Poland, Slovenia and Turkey are advancing parallel age-restriction legislation, with Sweden recommending a 15-year minimum on June 2 and Turkey's parliament passing restrictions on April 24, signaling coordinated European momentum toward protecting children online.
21 Articles
21 Articles
Tomica Šuljić on children and restrictions on access to social networks
der Standard AT
der Standard DEAustralia has one of the strictest age limits for Tiktok and Ko. A study shows: Group pressure and the fear of missing something are stronger than the law
Malaysia sticks to regulatory approach, not total ban on children's social media use, says Fahmi
SEREMBAN: Malaysia will continue with its regulatory approach to children's use of social media instead of imposing a blanket ban, despite several countries moving to prohibit access to such platforms for certain groups of minors, says Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil.
The Economic Times
Times of IndiaFrom Australia to Europe, countries move to curb children's social media access
Australia banned social media for children under sixteen, effective December 2025. Britain plans a similar ban for under-sixteens by Spring 2027. France and Greece are also implementing bans for children under fifteen. Many countries are now establishing minimum age limits for social media use. Tech companies face new regulations regarding child protection and age verification.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 55% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
