Top 6 Countries To Ban Social Media For Children

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Last Updated:February 06, 2026, 15:30 IST

Here’s a look at 6 countries that ban social media use for children.

IT Secretary S Krishnan on Thursday said that the Economic Survey has made several suggestions on age-based access to online platforms, and the government will examine all the opinions and take a call on the issue. The survey noted that age-based access to online platforms should be considered while also cutting down online teaching to avoid digital addiction. Here’s a look at the countries that has already implemented control and prohibited social media use.

China enforces some of the world’s strictest regulations on children’s use of digital platforms. Social media access for minors is tightly regulated, with platforms required to offer “youth modes” that limit content, screen time, and operating hours. Users under 18 are barred from certain features, while younger children face strict daily usage caps. Authorities frame these measures as efforts to curb addiction and protect well-being amid a sharp rise in children’s online content consumption over the past decade.

China: China enforces some of the world’s strictest regulations on children’s use of digital platforms. Social media access for minors is tightly regulated, with platforms required to offer “youth modes” that limit content, screen time, and operating hours. Users under 18 are barred from certain features, while younger children face strict daily usage caps. Authorities frame these measures as efforts to curb addiction and protect well-being amid a sharp rise in children’s online content consumption over the past decade. (Image: AI Generated)

France has introduced rules that bar children under 15 from accessing social media without explicit parental consent. The legislation places responsibility on platforms to verify users’ ages and enforce compliance, shifting the burden away from families. Lawmakers argue that children lack the maturity to cope independently with online pressures such as cyberbullying and harmful content. By involving parents, France aims to strike a balance between digital freedom and child protection in an increasingly connected world.

France: France has introduced rules that bar children under 15 from accessing social media without explicit parental consent. The legislation places responsibility on platforms to verify users’ ages and enforce compliance, shifting the burden away from families. Lawmakers argue that children lack the maturity to cope independently with online pressures such as cyberbullying and harmful content. By involving parents, France aims to strike a balance between digital freedom and child protection in an increasingly connected world. (Image: AI Generated)

Italy has strengthened its social media regulations amid growing concern over harmful online challenges and trends affecting minors. Children under 14 are legally barred from using social media without parental consent, and authorities have tightened age-verification measures following reports linking online content to real-world incidents. The government’s approach reflects how concrete harms have accelerated policies that prioritize children’s safety over unrestricted digital access.

Italy: Italy has strengthened its social media regulations amid growing concern over harmful online challenges and trends affecting minors. Children under 14 are legally barred from using social media without parental consent, and authorities have tightened age-verification measures following reports linking online content to real-world incidents. The government’s approach reflects how concrete harms have accelerated policies that prioritize children’s safety over unrestricted digital access. (Image: X)

Children under 16 in Australia are now barred from using major social media platforms, including TikTok, X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, and Threads. They are unable to create new accounts, and existing profiles have been deactivated. The move—the first of its kind globally—is being closely watched by governments around the world.

Australia: Children under 16 in Australia are now barred from using major social media platforms, including TikTok, X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, and Threads. They are unable to create new accounts, and existing profiles have been deactivated. The move—the first of its kind globally—is being closely watched by governments around the world. (Image: AI Generated)

South Korea has long experimented with regulating children’s internet use through time-based limits. While specific rules have evolved, minors still face restrictions on accessing games and online platforms during late hours. Authorities emphasize the risks of addiction and disrupted sleep, reflecting a broader approach aimed at balancing screen time with schooling, rest, and offline activities.

South Korea: South Korea has long experimented with regulating children’s internet use through time-based limits. While specific rules have evolved, minors still face restrictions on accessing games and online platforms during late hours. Authorities emphasize the risks of addiction and disrupted sleep, reflecting a broader approach aimed at balancing screen time with schooling, rest, and offline activities. (Image: X)

North Korea stands apart globally in terms of media restrictions. Access to international social media platforms is almost entirely blocked for everyone, including children. Citizens can only use a tightly controlled national intranet that features government-approved content. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are completely off-limits for minors. Authorities justify the restrictions as a means to control information, preserve ideological narratives, and prevent foreign influence on young minds.

North Korea: North Korea stands apart globally in terms of media restrictions. Access to international social media platforms is almost entirely blocked for everyone, including children. Citizens can only use a tightly controlled national intranet that features government-approved content. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are completely off-limits for minors. Authorities justify the restrictions as a means to control information, preserve ideological narratives, and prevent foreign influence on young minds. (Image: X)

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