List Of European Countries That Are Considering Banning Social Media For Children

Which European Countries Are Considering Banning Social Media for Children?

The global debate around children’s use of social media has intensified after Australia introduced a nationwide ban preventing children under 16 from creating or maintaining social media accounts. The law, which came into force earlier this month, places strict responsibility on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, YouTube, and X, with heavy financial penalties for violations.

Inspired by Australia’s move, several European countries are now actively discussing or preparing similar restrictions. Governments across Europe are weighing concerns about mental health, exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, and data privacy against questions of enforcement, parental rights, and digital freedom. Below is a detailed look at which European nations are considering banning or restricting social media for children, and how far each proposal has progressed.

Why Europe Is Revisiting Social Media Rules for Children

European policymakers are increasingly worried about the effects of social media on children and teenagers. Concerns range from sleep disruption and reduced concentration to anxiety, depression, and online pressure created by constant digital interaction.

Many governments believe current safeguards are not strong enough. Although most platforms already set minimum age limits, enforcement remains weak. Children often bypass restrictions by entering false birth dates, and parents have limited tools to monitor usage effectively.

Australia’s under-16 ban has provided a real-world example that European leaders are now studying closely, prompting national debates and draft laws across the continent.

Denmark Plans a Ban for Children Under 15

Denmark is one of the most advanced European countries when it comes to restricting children’s access to social media. In November, the Danish government announced that it had reached an agreement with all political parties to ban access to certain social media platforms for children under the age of 15.

The Danish government said the aim is to protect children and young people from harmful online content and digital environments that negatively affect mental health. Officials highlighted concerns about disrupted sleep, loss of concentration, and increased social pressure created by online relationships where adult supervision is limited.

Under the proposal, parents would still have the right to allow their children access to social media after the age of 13. However, without parental consent, access would remain blocked until the child turns 15.

Denmark plans to rely on its national electronic ID system and introduce an age verification app to enforce the rules. While details of enforcement have not been fully outlined, the government has already earmarked 160 million kroner, around €21.4 million, for child online safety initiatives. Lawmakers expect the legislation process to take several months.

France Considers a Full Ban Under 15

France is moving steadily towards stronger restrictions on children’s social media use. Anne Le Hénanff, France’s minister of digital affairs, confirmed that her department aims to introduce a bill in early 2026 that would restrict social media access for children under 15.

The proposal follows a French parliamentary commission report released in September, which recommended an outright ban on social media for children under 15. The report also suggested introducing a digital curfew for those under 18.

The commission was formed after seven French families sued TikTok in 2024, accusing the platform of exposing their children to content that encouraged suicide. The case intensified public and political pressure to act.

French President Emmanuel Macron has publicly supported strict action. He has said that if the European Union does not introduce a common rule, France will act alone. In France, children under 15 already require explicit parental consent to open a social media account, and parents can request that an account be closed at any time.

Spain Proposes Restrictions Up to Age 16

Spain is currently studying a draft law that would significantly limit children’s access to social media and digital platforms. The proposal suggests that children under 16 should not be able to access social networks, messaging platforms, forums, or any virtual space that includes generative artificial intelligence without explicit parental consent.

In certain unspecified cases, the minimum age could be set at 14. The draft law says this is intended to reduce risks related to early exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and misuse of personal data.

Children aged 16 to 18 would be allowed to access social media using their own consent, without parental approval. The proposed law would also require app stores to give parents the right to verify which apps their children want to download.

Public support in Spain appears strong. A YouGov poll found that 79 percent of Spanish parents support an Australian-style age restriction. However, around one-third of respondents believe enforcement would be difficult in practice.

Italy Targets Under-15 Social Media Use

Italy has also joined the push to restrict children’s access to social media. In May, the Italian parliament introduced a bill that could impose social media restrictions on children under 15.

The draft law, currently under review by the Italian Senate, includes provisions to regulate so-called “kidfluencers,” children under 15 who create content for social media platforms. Lawmakers argue that children should not be commercially exploited online.

The proposal would require platforms to verify user age using a digital identity wallet, referred to as a “mini portafoglio nazionale.” This system is expected to be linked to the future EU-wide age verification framework.

Italy’s education minister has publicly stated that the country should follow Australia’s example. Italy already introduced age verification rules for adult websites in November, which may serve as a foundation for broader digital enforcement.

In addition, a class action lawsuit filed by Italian families against TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram could influence future restrictions. The lawsuit claims that more than 3.5 million Italian children aged seven to 14 use social media illegally. The case is expected to be heard in February.

Greece Considers an Australian-Style Ban

Greece is actively considering a social media ban for children similar to Australia’s under-16 rule. In September, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis told the United Nations General Assembly that governments are conducting an uncontrolled experiment on children’s minds through social media.

Greece has already taken steps in schools by banning smartphones from classrooms. According to the prime minister, this decision has had a positive and transformative effect on students.

The government has also launched a dedicated website that helps parents enable parental controls on iOS and Android devices. Additionally, Greece introduced a “Kids Wallet,” a parental control and age verification tool that allows parents to restrict or block access to apps and online services.

The Kids Wallet may be used as a formal age verification method, storing a minor’s identity and presenting it to authentication authorities when required.

Germany Studies a Nationwide Ban

Germany has not yet introduced age-based social media restrictions, but discussions are underway. In November, the German government confirmed that it had asked a committee to study whether a social media ban could be implemented.

The committee is also examining the broader impact of social media on teenagers in Germany. A final report is expected in autumn 2026.

Unlike some other countries, Germany is studying a blanket ban that would apply to all underage children. Under this approach, parental consent would not allow exemptions. If adopted, children would still be able to view social media content without logging in, similar to Australia’s system.

Public pressure is growing. A petition calling for a legal minimum age of 16 for social media platforms has received more than 34,000 signatures and is currently under government review.

The Role of the European Union

While individual countries are moving ahead with national proposals, there is also growing discussion at the European Union level. Some leaders argue that a unified EU-wide rule would be more effective than fragmented national laws.

However, reaching agreement across all member states remains difficult due to differences in legal systems, digital infrastructure, and cultural attitudes toward parenting and online freedom.

As a result, many countries are choosing to act independently while waiting to see if broader EU legislation emerges.

Challenges of Enforcing Social Media Bans

One of the biggest challenges facing European governments is enforcement. Age verification systems raise concerns about privacy, data security, and potential misuse of personal information.

There is also the question of whether children will simply find workarounds, such as using VPNs or borrowed devices. Platforms may also face technical and legal challenges when implementing strict age controls.

Despite these issues, policymakers argue that imperfect enforcement is better than no protection at all, especially when children’s mental health is at stake.

Why Parents Are Central to These Policies

Most European proposals give parents a central role in managing children’s online access. Whether through parental consent systems, digital wallets, or app store controls, governments want parents to have more visibility and authority.

Surveys suggest strong parental involvement and support for stricter rules, even when enforcement may be challenging. This reflects growing concern among families about the long-term effects of social media exposure.

What This Means for Social Media Platforms

If these bans and restrictions are implemented, social media companies could face major changes in how they operate in Europe. Platforms may be required to invest heavily in age verification technology and compliance systems.

Failure to comply could result in large fines, similar to Australia’s penalties of up to 50 million Australian dollars. This could reshape how platforms approach user growth, especially among younger audiences.

Across Europe, governments are increasingly questioning whether children should have unrestricted access to social media. Inspired by Australia’s under-16 ban, countries such as Denmark, France, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Germany are exploring new laws or studying nationwide restrictions.

While approaches vary, the underlying concern is the same: protecting children’s mental health, safety, and privacy in a rapidly evolving digital world. As debates continue, Europe appears to be moving closer to a future where children’s access to social media is far more regulated than it is today.

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