# Global wave of social media bans for children spreads fast

> Over 20 countries are now restricting or banning social media for minors, with the EU preparing new rules to curb addictive features.
- Title: Global wave of social media bans for children spreads fast
- Summary: Over 20 countries are now restricting or banning social media for minors, with the EU preparing new rules to curb addictive features. Social media…
- Keywords: social media bans, children online safety, age restrictions, european union, australia, brazil, china, indonesia, malaysia, britain, digital regulation, minors protection
- Source: Malay Mail — https://malaymail.com/news/world/2026/09/17/more-countries-move-to-ban-social-media-for-children-with-restrictions-spreading-worldwide/235408
- Published: 2026-09-17T07:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: social media bans, children online safety, age restrictions, european union, australia, brazil, china, indonesia, malaysia, britain, digital regulation, minors protection
## EU prepares social media curbs for kids
The European Union is unveiling proposals to limit addictive social media features designed to hook minors, as countries worldwide tighten restrictions on children's online access.
## More than 20 countries taking action
Over 20 nations have now implemented or are preparing laws to limit social media use for children under 15 or 16, marking a significant shift in global digital policy.
## Australia led the way in 2025
Australia became the first country to introduce a blanket ban on social media for under-16s at the end of 2025, though data from August shows teenagers have widely circumvented the restriction.
## Brazil requires parental links and age checks
Brazil began implementing measures in March requiring social media platforms to link accounts of users under 16 to their parents and verify users' ages.
## China restricts youth access since 2019
China has progressively restricted minors' social media access since 2019, starting with time limits and curfews on gaming before extending similar rules to social media and streaming in 2023.
## Indonesia and Malaysia enforce bans
Indonesia banned social media for under-16s in March, while Malaysia implemented similar legislation in June excluding minors from major platforms.
## Turkey and UAE join the movement
Turkey passed legislation in April to bar under-15s from social media, expected to take effect in late 2026. The UAE announced a ban on social media for under-15s last month, with implementation around a year away.
## California tightens youth protections
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed around a dozen laws on September 10 aimed at protecting children online, including one banning platforms from offering addictive features to under-16s, effective early 2027.
## Greece, Austria, Slovenia plan restrictions
Greece announced plans to ban social media for under-15s from January 2027. Austria and Slovenia are preparing legislation for under-14s and under-15s respectively.
## Britain and Nordic countries moving forward
Britain plans to ban social media for under-16s by early 2027 with a curfew for ages 16-17. Sweden proposes banning for under-15s by early 2028, while Denmark and Norway are also preparing legislation.
## Canada and New Zealand follow suit
Canada unveiled a bill in June setting the minimum age at 16 for social media access. New Zealand followed Australia's lead in August with a bill banning platforms from serving under-16s.
## Southern Europe debates age of digital majority
Portugal, Spain, and Italy are considering legislation to raise the minimum age for social media access to 16. France approved a ban for under-15s but it was struck down on freedom-of-expression grounds; President Macron pledged a new law by spring 2027.
## Key takeaway

Social media restrictions for children under 16 are becoming a worldwide trend, though enforcement remains a challenge.