Child social media restrictions spread worldwide after Australia’s ban

(MENAFN) Countries around the world are increasingly restricting children’s access to social media, following Australia’s move last year to ban users under 16 due to concerns over the negative effects of online platforms on young people.

Australia’s legislation, effective from December 10, led Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, to deactivate 550,000 accounts, including 330,000 on Instagram, 173,000 on Facebook, and 39,000 on Threads. The restrictions cover roughly 10 platforms, including X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, Reddit, Twitch, Threads, and Kick.

European nations are following suit. Denmark enacted a ban for users under 15 on November 7, while Spain raised the legal age for data protection consent from 14 to 16 in June 2024. France and Norway have also imposed restrictions tied to digital maturity, reflecting a growing international focus on children’s online safety.

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