Will other countries follow Australia’s social media ban for under-16s?

The Guardian - World NewsEN 5 min read 100% complete by Dan Milmo Global technology editorDecember 13, 2025 at 06:00 AM

AI Summary

long article 5 min

Australia's ban on social media for users under 16 is being closely watched globally, with several countries considering similar measures. Denmark, Norway, Spain, and France are actively exploring or proposing age restrictions or bans. Ireland is considering an Australia-style ban as a reserve option. The Netherlands advises parental blocking until age 15. The European Parliament passed a non-binding resolution advocating for a ban on under-16s unless parents consent, highlighting concerns about social media's addictive nature. While the EU already has digital safety legislation, there is a push for stricter regulations across the continent to protect children, driven by concerns from politicians, safety campaigners, and parents.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Pedro Sánchez 30% Emmanuel Macron 30% Patrick O'Donovan 40% Ireland 40% Jonas Gahr Støre 50% Mette Frederiksen 50% Denmark ×260% Europe ×370% Australia ×480%

Keywords

social media ban 100% under-16s 90% age limit 80% digital safety 70% regulation 60% eu 60% digital services act 50% children's childhood 50% algorithms 40%