More and more countries around the world are tightening the use of social networks for children. According to AFP statistics, more than 20 countries have announced or are developing regulations restricting minors from accessing social media platforms.
In France, the National Assembly is expected to vote on July 21 on a bill banning children under 15 years old from using social networks. If passed, the French government expects the regulation to take effect from September, making this country the first country in Europe to establish a "legal age in cyberspace".
Previously, some countries had officially applied similar measures. Australia banned people under 16 years old from using social networks from the end of 2025. Indonesia and Malaysia also successively applied bans to groups under 16 years old in 2026.
In Brazil, instead of completely banning, the government requires accounts of people under 16 years old to be linked to parents' accounts, and platforms must verify the age of users.
In China, the management of children in cyberspace has been gradually implemented since 2019. Initially, the measures focused on limiting online gaming time before expanding to social networks and streaming platforms from 2023.
Besides countries that have issued regulations, many other countries are also promoting the development of new laws. The European Commission (EC) is expected to propose banning children under 13 years old from using social networks and applying an age-based approach roadmap for adolescents aged 13 to 18.
In the European Union (EU), Greece, Austria, Slovenia, Sweden, Denmark, Ireland, Spain, Portugal and Italy are all discussing or preparing bills to restrict children from accessing social networks.
In addition to the EU, Norway, the UK, Canada and some Indian states are also considering raising the minimum age or applying stricter management measures to young users.
According to AFP, the wave of tighter management stems from growing concerns about the impact of social media on mental health, online bullying, harmful content and the risk of Internet addiction in children. Many governments believe that it is necessary to establish legal barriers to protect adolescents before technology platforms come up with effective solutions themselves.
