From UK to Australia, nations move to lock children out of major platformsLast updated: June 16, 2026 | 06:004 MIN READmundissimaThe UK follows Australia which became the world's first country to pass a social media ban for children.Rather than simply tightening rules around content moderation and age verification, a number of governments are opting for outright bans on access for under-16s. Here is a full breakdown of every country that has banned or is moving to ban social media for children.Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here.Countries that have banned or are moving to ban social media for children1. United KingdomPrime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced a ban on June 15, 2026, prohibiting children under 16 from accessing major social media platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, YouTube, and X. Messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Signal are exempt. Tech companies will be required to prevent under-16s from creating accounts, and existing profiles are expected to be deactivated.2. AustraliaAustralia was the first country in the world to pass a social media ban for children, with legislation taking effect in December 2025. The minimum age to hold an account on designated platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X, Reddit, Twitch, and Kick, is 16. 3. IndonesiaIndonesia became the first non-Western country to enforce age-based digital restrictions, with its ban for under-16s taking effect on March 28, 2026. High-risk platforms, including YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, Threads, Bigo Live, and Roblox are required to deactivate underage accounts. Non-compliance could result in fines, temporary suspensions, or loss of market access.4. Malaysia5. TürkiyeThe Turkish parliament passed legislation in April 2026 requiring social media platforms to block under-15s from creating accounts, introduce parental controls, and rapidly remove harmful content. Online gaming companies must also appoint a local representative. The bill awaits sign-off from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan before passing into law.6. GreeceGreece will ban social media for children under 15 from January 1, 2027, with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis citing rising anxiety, sleep deprivation, and addiction among minors. The government is also pushing for an EU-wide ban and is working on mandatory identity verification for all users to reduce online harassment.7. France8. Canada9. NorwayNorway plans to introduce a bill to parliament by the end of 2026 that would raise the minimum age for social media use from 15 to 16, placing legal responsibility for age verification on tech companies rather than young users.10. SpainSpain is proposing an Australia-style ban for under-16s, with platforms required to implement rigorous, real verification barriers rather than simple checkbox consent. Tech executives could face criminal liability if illegal or hateful content is not removed promptly. Parliamentary approval is still required.11. Denmark12. GermanyGermany is debating a national ban, with the governing conservatives proposing a limit for under-16s and the Social Democratic Party pushing for restrictions on under-14s. No legislation has passed yet.What about the UAE?From January 2027, all digital platforms targeting UAE users, including TikTok, Instagram, and Roblox, must prohibit data collection on under-13s without parental consent, strip predatory algorithms, restrict contact with strangers, and filter content by age. The information in this article is sourced from Reuters, The New York Times, Al Jazeera and DW.Also In This PackageRelated Topics:Get Updates on Topics You ChooseUp Next