Countries that have banned or are moving to ban social media for children
1. UAE
The UAE Cabinet has banned children under 15 from creating or using social media accounts. Those aged 15–16 will have restricted access, with safeguards including age-appropriate content filters, disabled stranger interactions, screen time limits, and parental controls. Platforms have up to 12 months to comply.
In 2026, the UAE also introduced one of the region’s most comprehensive child online safety laws, covering global apps like TikTok, Twitch, Roblox and e-commerce platforms. The Child Digital Safety (CDS) Law tightens rules around harmful content, addictive design, and children’s data collection.
2. United Kingdom
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced a ban on June 15, 2026, prohibiting children under 16 from accessing major social media platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, YouTube, and X. Messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Signal are exempt. Tech companies will be required to prevent under-16s from creating accounts, and existing profiles are expected to be deactivated.
3. Australia
Australia was the first country in the world to pass a social media ban for children, with legislation taking effect in December 2025. The minimum age to hold an account on designated platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X, Reddit, Twitch, and Kick, is 16.
