Countries are barring teens from social media—could the U.S. be next? One expert thinks it's 'inevitable'

In December 2025, Australia became the first country to bar anyone under 16 from keeping or making social media accounts. The penalty for companies violating the law is a fine of up to $49.5 million AUD ($34.9 million USD).

The goal is “to protect young Australians from pressures and risks” that emerge from social media use, according to the government’s eSafety Commissioner website. Risks include “design features that encourage them to spend more time on screens” and harmful content they might encounter.

Companies like Meta, TikTok and Snap have said that they oppose the age limits, but will comply. In a recent op-ed for the Financial Times, Snap CEO Evan Spiegel wrote that “compliance with the law does not guarantee that Australian teens will be safer or better off.”

Around the world, other countries are following suit.

Malaysia began barring kids under 16 from creating social media accounts in January, and Spain began doing so in February. Countries like Greece, France, and Denmark are currently working on their own restrictions for under 15 or 16-year-olds as well.