From Australia to Europe, countries move to curb children’s social media access
April 24 – Australia in December became the world’s first country to ban social media for children under 16, blocking them from platforms including TikTok, Alphabet’s YouTube and Meta’s Instagram and Facebook, amid mounting concerns over the impact of social media on children’s health and safety. AUSTRALIA A landmark law forced major social media platforms to block minors under 16 from December 10, 2025. Companies that fail to comply could face penalties of up to A$49.5 million ($35.3 million). AUSTRIA Austria will ban social media for children up to the age of 14, the government said in March. Vice Chancellor
