Australia Leads the Charge: Global Efforts to Restrict Social Media for Minors

Australia has become the first country to enforce a nationwide ban on social media usage for children under 16, effective from December 2025. Other countries like Britain and Malaysia are considering similar measures as part of a global initiative to enhance children's online safety and curb their social media exposure.

Australia, in a groundbreaking move, has enacted one of the world's most stringent regulations by banning social media for children under 16 from December 2025. This legislation targets major platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, with penalties up to A$49.5 million for non-compliance.

The initiative is gaining international attention, with countries like Britain, Denmark, and Malaysia contemplating similar age restrictions. The UK's Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the government's interest in adopting an Australia-style ban although the specifics are still under consideration.

Meanwhile, other nations like France, Germany, and the U.S. have introduced parental consent requirements, albeit with varying degrees of enforcement success. As debates around age limits and digital consent continue, there's a growing call for harmonized international regulations to navigate this digital age challenge.

(With inputs from agencies.)