Social media bans spread globally after Australia’s crackdown

When Australia introduced a ban on social media for children under 16 in December, other countries began taking notice. Justin Hendrix, who has tracked efforts in more than 40 countries, says Australia’s move has become a kind of “bellwether”, prompting regulators to reconsider how to limit young people's access to platforms.

Responses vary widely. Indonesia moved to block under-16s in March and Malaysia followed; Britain has announced its own ban to be in place by early 2027. Age thresholds differ from place to place — Austria targets under-14s, France sets 15, and Norway is looking to widen its scope to include 16 and under — while some countries couple platform limits with bans on smartphones in schools.

Brazil, for example, bans phones in schools but allows under-16s to hold social accounts if they are linked to a parent or guardian. The push for restrictions has been driven in part by lawsuits and evidence of harm.

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