Here is a complete breakdown of every country restricting or banning social media for children.Countries that have banned or are moving to ban social media for children1. UAEThe UAE Cabinet has banned children under 15 from creating or using social media accounts. Those aged 15–16 will have restricted access, with safeguards including age-appropriate content filters, disabled stranger interactions, screen time limits, and parental controls. Platforms have up to 12 months to comply.In 2026, the UAE also introduced one of the region's most comprehensive child online safety laws, covering global apps like TikTok, Twitch, Roblox and e-commerce platforms. The Child Digital Safety (CDS) Law tightens rules around harmful content, addictive design, and children's data collection.2. 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.3. 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. 4. 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.5. Malaysia6. 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.7. 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.8. France9. Canada10. 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.11. 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.12. Denmark13. 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.The information in this article is sourced from Reuters, The New York Times, Al Jazeera and DW.