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Austria Bans Social Media for Children Under Fourteen
(MENAFN) Austria’s government on Friday approved a nationwide ban on social media use for children under 14 and unveiled plans to reform upper secondary school curricula to enhance media literacy and Artificial Intelligence (AI) education starting in the 2027/28 academic year, according to reports.
Vice-Chancellor Andreas Babler said at a press conference that social media platforms have “negative effects on young people” and emphasized the need for age restrictions similar to those applied to certain substances and media content.
He added that the ban will be applied nationally while Austria continues advocating for comparable measures across the European Union.
The curriculum reform will introduce a dedicated media literacy subject in upper secondary schools, reduce some Latin and second foreign language hours, and expand informatics classes to include AI, focusing on understanding digital systems and recognizing risks and opportunities.
Digital State Secretary Alexander Proll said a legislative proposal detailing the technical implementation of the age limit will be presented by the end of June, using verification methods designed to confirm users’ ages without compromising privacy.
The government ruled out a mandatory real-name system but pledged stricter enforcement against misuse of user data and closer cooperation between social media platforms and authorities to address online harm.
French President Emmanuel Macron commented on social media, saying: “Thanks for joining the movement.”
Austria’s measure aligns with a growing global trend to limit minors’ social media access. Australia banned social media for children under 16 in December 2025, while France will restrict users under 15 starting September 2026. Spain and parts of India, including Karnataka state, have introduced similar restrictions for those under 16. Other European nations, including Denmark, Germany, Norway, and the UK, are also considering comparable rules.
Vice-Chancellor Andreas Babler said at a press conference that social media platforms have “negative effects on young people” and emphasized the need for age restrictions similar to those applied to certain substances and media content.
He added that the ban will be applied nationally while Austria continues advocating for comparable measures across the European Union.
The curriculum reform will introduce a dedicated media literacy subject in upper secondary schools, reduce some Latin and second foreign language hours, and expand informatics classes to include AI, focusing on understanding digital systems and recognizing risks and opportunities.
Digital State Secretary Alexander Proll said a legislative proposal detailing the technical implementation of the age limit will be presented by the end of June, using verification methods designed to confirm users’ ages without compromising privacy.
The government ruled out a mandatory real-name system but pledged stricter enforcement against misuse of user data and closer cooperation between social media platforms and authorities to address online harm.
French President Emmanuel Macron commented on social media, saying: “Thanks for joining the movement.”
Austria’s measure aligns with a growing global trend to limit minors’ social media access. Australia banned social media for children under 16 in December 2025, while France will restrict users under 15 starting September 2026. Spain and parts of India, including Karnataka state, have introduced similar restrictions for those under 16. Other European nations, including Denmark, Germany, Norway, and the UK, are also considering comparable rules.
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