NewzVille International
To protect children and young people from the adverse effects of social media, several countries have implemented bans or restrictions on digital platforms.
These measures vary in scope, reflecting each nation’s approach to online safety, political control, and youth protection. The trend signals a global reckoning with social media’s influence on youth well-being and a move toward more regulated digital environments.
Countries including China, North Korea, Iran, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Turkey, Myanmar, and Russia have long maintained strict controls over internet access and social media use. Meanwhile, several Western nations are now introducing age-based restrictions to protect minors online.
In a landmark move, Denmark has banned social media access for children under 15 to curb exposure to harmful content. Australia will implement a similar policy from December 10, prohibiting users under 16 from having social media accounts, with fines for noncompliance.
France passed a law in 2023 requiring parental consent for minors under 15 to create social media accounts, while Belgium mandates that children must be at least 13 to use social media without parental approval.
