Australia’s landmark decision to ban social media use for people under the age of 16 is drawing significant global attention, as governments, parents, and child-safety advocates around the world watch closely to see whether similar measures could soon be adopted elsewhere.
The policy, which came into effect in December, makes Australia the first country to impose a nationwide ban on under-16s accessing most major social media platforms.
Supporters of the move argue that it places long-overdue pressure on technology companies to take responsibility for the mental health impacts, addictive design features, and safety risks their platforms pose to children.
Several European countries are already exploring comparable restrictions. Denmark has announced plans to introduce a social media ban for children under 15, while Norway is moving toward setting its minimum age for access at 15. Ireland is examining the use of digital identity systems to verify user ages, and the European Parliament has passed a resolution supporting age limits on social media use.
In Spain and France, lawmakers are pushing proposals that would raise the minimum age to 16 or impose tighter controls on youth access. The Netherlands government has also advised parents to keep children off social media until at least age 15.
In the United Kingdom, officials have taken a more cautious approach. While the government has acknowledged Australia’s decision, it has said any similar move would need to be based on strong evidence demonstrating clear benefits.
Previous attempts to introduce age-based restrictions were scaled back in favor of enforcing existing online safety regulations. Child protection groups remain divided, with some calling for stronger age limits and others arguing that platform reform and enforcement should take priority.
In the United States, efforts to restrict children’s access to social media are largely happening at the state level rather than federally. States such as Utah, Florida, and Virginia have passed laws requiring parental consent or limiting access for minors, but nationwide action has stalled due to legal challenges and political division. Proposed federal legislation aimed at curbing harmful social media practices affecting children has yet to pass.
Outside the Western world, other countries are also considering stricter controls. Malaysia has announced plans to ban social media use for under-16s starting in 2026, while Brazil has raised minimum age requirements on certain platforms.
At the same time, international child welfare organizations have urged caution, warning that outright bans could isolate vulnerable children or restrict access to positive online communities if not implemented carefully.
End Time Headlines is a ministry founded, owned, and operated by Ricky Scaparo, established in 2010 to equip believers and inform discerning individuals about the “Signs and Seasons” of the times in which we live. Ricky authors original articles and curates news from mainstream sources, carefully selecting topics, verifying information, and utilizing artificial intelligence tools to ensure content is both timely and accurate. Every piece is personally reviewed and edited by Ricky to align with the ministry’s mission of providing a prophetic perspective on current events.
