Archive · 29 Jan 2026
Global Push for Social Media Bans for Children
Many countries are thinking about banning social media for children because they are worried about the bad effects it can have.
France has already passed a law to ban social media for kids under 15.
The European Union is also considering a similar ban and is waiting for advice from experts.
They have already started checking platforms like TikTok and Instagram to see if they are safe for young people.
Some countries are testing an app to check ages and stop kids from seeing harmful content.
In India, the state of Andhra Pradesh is inviting big social media companies to a meeting to talk about making these platforms safer for women and children.
The goal is to protect children from harmful content and make sure women are safe online.
The Indian government is also thinking about setting age limits for social media use.
France has passed a bill to ban social media for under-15s, awaiting Senate approval.
The EU is considering a similar ban and is waiting for expert advice before deciding.
The EU has launched probes into TikTok and Meta's platforms over concerns about their impact on young people.
Five EU states are testing an age-verification app to prevent children from accessing harmful content.
Andhra Pradesh government in India is inviting social media platforms for a meeting to address online safety concerns, especially for women and children.
- Who
- European Union, France, Australia, Andhra Pradesh (India), Denmark, Greece, Spain, Malaysia, Norway, New Zealand
- What
- Potential bans on social media for children, ongoing probes into social media platforms, meetings with social media executives
- When
- France's bill passed in early 2024, EU consultative panel expected early 2024, probes ongoing since 2024, Andhra Pradesh meeting scheduled
- Where
- European Union, France, Australia, Andhra Pradesh (India), Denmark, Greece, Spain, Malaysia, Norway, New Zealand
- Why
- Concerns over the impact of social media on children, including digital addiction, online abuse, and targeted advertising
- Proposed Ban Age
- Under-15s in France, Under-16s in Australia, Under-16s in EU Parliament proposal
- Current EU Regulation
- Digital Services Act (DSA) with targeted advertising ban for children
- Probes Launched
- TikTok (February 2024), Meta's Facebook and Instagram (May 2024)
- Consultative Panel
- Expected to be set up early 2024 to advise on EU's next steps
- Age-Verification App
- Being tested by five EU states, to be rolled out by end of 2024
- Countries with Similar Plans
- Australia, Malaysia, Norway, New Zealand, Denmark, Greece, Spain, Andhra Pradesh (India)
- Social Media Platforms Invited for Meeting
- Meta, X, Google, ShareChat
Sources
Will European Union Ban Social Media For Children In 2026?
AP Govt Mulls Guidelines to Keep Minors Off Social Media
AP Govt to Invite Social Media Platforms for Meeting Over Online Safety
India should consider age-based limits for social media, chief economic adviser says
India's Chief Economic Adviser Urges Government to Enforce Age Limit for Social Media Access
Andhra Pradesh Mulls Social Media Restrictions for Minors, References Women's Online Harassment