Following Australia’s recent implementation of an under-16 social media ban, several European countries are now actively considering or preparing to restrict access to platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook for younger users. The move reflects growing concerns over the impact of social media on children’s mental health, sleep patterns, and exposure to harmful content.
Denmark: A Ban in Progress
Denmark has reached a cross-party agreement to ban access to some social media platforms for those under 15. The goal is to shield children from pressures related to digital relationships, sleep disruption, and harmful content. While the legislation is still being drafted, Denmark plans to use its national electronic ID system and a future age verification app to enforce the rules. The government has already allocated €21.4 million to child online safety initiatives.
France: Pushing for Legislation
France’s digital affairs minister is preparing a bill to restrict social media access for under-15s by early 2026. This follows a parliamentary report that recommended an outright ban and even a digital curfew for older children. The move was spurred in part by lawsuits against TikTok from French families alleging harmful content exposure. President Macron has stated that if the EU doesn’t act, France will implement restrictions independently.
Spain: Parental Consent as a Key Condition
Spain is studying a bill that would require explicit parental consent for children under 16 to access social networks. In some cases, the minimum age would be 14. The law would also mandate app stores to allow parental verification of app downloads. A recent poll indicates that 79% of Spanish parents support such restrictions, though enforcement challenges are anticipated.
Italy: Following the Australian Model
Italy’s parliament has proposed legislation that could impose social media restrictions on children under 15 and regulate “kidfluencers.” The law would leverage a digital identity wallet tied to the upcoming EU age-verification system. Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara has explicitly stated the country should follow Australia’s approach. A class-action lawsuit against TikTok and Meta is also underway, alleging widespread underage use.
Greece: A Broader Approach
Greece is considering an Australian-style ban, with Prime Minister Mitsotakis calling current social media practices an “uncontrolled experiment” on children. The country has already banned smartphones from classrooms and launched a website with parental control instructions. Their “Kids Wallet” app will be used as an age verifier, storing minor identities for authentication.
Germany: A Future Study
Germany is the only country in the list that has yet to implement restrictions on social media for children under 16. The German parliament has tasked a committee with studying the impacts of social media on teens, with a report expected in late 2026. If implemented, a German ban would not exempt children with parental consent.
Conclusion: Across Europe, the debate over social media access for children is intensifying. While the specific approaches vary, the trend is clear: governments are increasingly willing to intervene to protect minors from the potential harms of these platforms. The success of these measures will depend on effective enforcement, a challenge many nations recognize.
