Global Shift: Countries Implement Measures to Restrict Children’s Social Media Access – A New Era of Digital Regulation

A global trend is emerging as countries increasingly implement measures to restrict children’s access to social media. Nations across Australia, New Zealand, and Europe, among others, are taking diverse steps, including limiting advertising targeted at children on social media platforms, imposing time limits on app usage, and even outright banning usage for those under a certain age. This shift reflects growing concerns about children’s safety and mental health in the digital environment and is likely to lead to more widespread regulation in the future. According to Investing.com, this movement can be interpreted as an effort to redefine societal digital ethics, extending beyond individual choices.

The Context of Social Media Regulation

Recent increases in children’s social media usage have fueled concerns about the impact of the digital environment. According to Investing.com reports, a consistent link has been raised between adolescent depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem and social media use. Furthermore, the excessive content exposure provided by social media platforms can negatively impact children’s developmental processes. Against this backdrop, countries have inevitably moved to strengthen regulations to protect children’s digital environment.

Proactive Measures by Australia and New Zealand

Australia and New Zealand were among the first countries to introduce restrictions on advertising targeted at children on social media platforms. On February 17, 2026, Australia implemented regulations requiring social media platforms to limit advertising to users under the age of 16. New Zealand has also adopted similar regulations, striving to protect children’s online experiences.

Regulatory Moves by European Countries

European countries are also actively participating in social media regulation. Germany is strengthening data collection restrictions on social media platforms for children, while France is considering introducing app usage time limits. Furthermore, the European Union (EU) is expected to further strengthen regulations through the Digital Services Act (DSA) to enhance the accountability of social media platforms and protect children’s safety.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, social media regulation is expected to continue to strengthen globally. Countries will continue their efforts to protect children’s digital environments, and social media platforms will also strive to comply with regulations. According to FireMarkets analysis, these regulations are likely to play a significant role in shaping the new paradigm of the digital economy.