What specific age groups are targeted by proposed social media bans?

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Proposed Social Media Bans Target Specific Age Groups Globally

Globally, proposed social media bans and restrictions are increasingly focusing on specific age groups, primarily targeting individuals under the age of 16. These measures vary in their implementation timelines and the precise age thresholds set by different nations, reflecting a growing international concern over children's online safety and engagement with digital platforms.
Bans Primarily Aim at Under-16s and Under-15s

A significant number of countries are implementing or proposing bans that specifically target users under the age of 16 or 15. For instance, Malaysia has legislated to exclude under-16s from major platforms since June, and Norway is set to present a bill by year-end to ban access for those under 16. Similarly, Denmark announced in October 2025 that it would propose banning several social media platforms for under-15s, and the UK is aiming to ban social media for under-16s by early 2027. France is considering a proposal to ban social media for children under 15, though amendments are targeting only the most harmful platforms.
Some Nations Set Lower Age Thresholds or Broader Restrictions

While the under-16 and under-15 age brackets are most common, some countries are considering or have already implemented even lower age limits or more nuanced restrictions. Austria is preparing legislation to prohibit access for under-14s, and Germany is exploring options for a ban graded by age or platform-specific restrictions. In Turkey, legislation to bar under-15s from social media passed in April and is expected to take effect in late 2026, while the United Arab Emirates announced a ban on social media for under-15s last month, with implementation planned in about a year.
Other Countries Consider Minimum Age Increases or General Child Protections

Beyond outright bans, several nations are proposing to raise the minimum age for social media use or are implementing restrictions for children without specifying an exact age. Canada aims to set the minimum age for social media use at 16. Portugal is considering a bill that would set the age for independent access to platforms at 16, and Spain has proposed raising the minimum age for registering on a social media platform from 14 to 16. Italy is also considering legislation that would ban social media use for children under the age of 15.

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What specific age groups are targeted by proposed social media bans?

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