Which countries already ban under-15s or under-16s and since when?

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Countries with Existing Bans on Social Media for Minors

Several countries have already implemented bans or significant restrictions on social media access for individuals under the age of 15 or 16. Australia has had a ban for those under 16 in place since December 2025. Brazil introduced legislation in March that mandates platforms to link the accounts of users under 16 to their parents and verify user ages. China has progressively restricted minors' social media access since 2019, initially through gaming limits and curfews, which were extended to social media and streaming in 2023. Indonesia has banned social media for under-16s since March, and Malaysia will implement legislation in June to exclude under-16s from major platforms.
Australia and Indonesia Implement Bans

Australia has prohibited social media use for individuals under the age of 16, with this restriction effective from December 2025. Similarly, Indonesia has enforced a ban on social media for those under 16, which has been in effect since March. These measures signify a growing global trend towards safeguarding younger demographics online.
Brazil and China Introduce Stricter Age Verification and Limits

Brazil's new law, enacted in March, requires social media platforms to verify the ages of their users and to link the accounts of those under 16 to a parent or guardian's account. China has been progressively tightening its digital landscape for minors since 2019, initially focusing on online gaming with time limits and curfews, before extending these controls to social media and streaming services in 2023.
Malaysia and Turkey Enact Recent Age Restrictions

Malaysia is set to enforce legislation in June that will exclude individuals under 16 from accessing major social media platforms. Turkey has also passed a law to bar users under 15 from social media, with this legislation slated to take effect in late 2026, indicating a forward-looking approach to digital regulation.
United Arab Emirates Announces Imminent Ban

The United Arab Emirates announced a ban on social media for children under the age of 15, with the implementation expected approximately one year from the announcement. This move further underscores the international effort to establish age-appropriate boundaries for online engagement among younger populations.

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Which countries already ban under-15s or under-16s and since when?

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