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A landmark law taking effect this Wednesday, December 10, 2025, in Australia prohibits access to TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, and Twitch for individuals under the age of 16, igniting a global conversation about safeguarding minors online and prompting consideration of similar measures in Europe. The initiative, met with broad public support, is being closely scrutinized worldwide as governments grapple with the complex challenges posed by social media’s impact on young people.
Australia’s Bold Move: A $32 Million Gamble on Youth Wellbeing
The Australian legislation aims to shield children and adolescents from the documented harms associated with social media, including cyberbullying and exposure to content detrimental to their physical and mental health. Platforms found in violation of the law face substantial fines – up to $32 million (approximately 27 million euros) – and some have already begun proactively closing accounts belonging to users under sixteen.
While overwhelmingly welcomed by Australian adults – with over three-quarters expressing support in pre-adoption surveys – the ban isn’t without its critics. A group of 140 academics and experts signed an open letter voicing concerns that the measure could be “too radical,” arguing that mental health issues are multifaceted and not solely attributable to social media use. The Australian government anticipates that young people will actively seek ways to circumvent the new rules, a prediction underscored by reports of a 13-year-old girl successfully using her mother’s photo to verify her age on Snapchat, as reported by the BBC.
European Union Considers Harmonized Age Restrictions
The Australian approach has captured the attention of the European Union, where lawmakers are actively debating similar restrictions. On November 26, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) adopted a report proposing a harmonized minimum age of 16 for accessing social networks and video-sharing platforms across the EU. The proposal includes a provision for parental consent for users aged 13-16, offering a more nuanced approach than the outright ban implemented in Australia.
A key component of the EU’s strategy involves streamlining age verification processes. The forthcoming European digital wallet, slated for widespread implementation by the end of 2026, will allow users to securely store and present digital identification documents, potentially simplifying age verification for online platforms.
France Leads the Charge for Stricter Regulations
France and Denmark are spearheading efforts to accelerate the implementation of these regulations at the European level. French President Emmanuel Macron has repeatedly emphasized his desire to ban social networks for those under 15, initially following a tragic incident in June 2025 involving a 14-year-old schoolboy. “I’m giving us a few months to manage European mobilization, otherwise I will negotiate with the Europeans so that we can do it in France. We can’t wait,” Macron stated at the time. France has also been authorized to test a European application designed for online age verification.
Existing French legislation, the “Marcangeli” law established in 2023, already mandates parental consent for individuals under 15 to register on social networks. However, its full implementation is contingent upon alignment with European law, a point of ongoing frustration for French officials. Several other European nations – including Greece, Spain, Ireland, Belgium, and Denmark – reportedly support Macron’s push for stricter regulations.
Public Opinion and Emerging Data Fuel the Debate
The drive for greater regulation is bolstered by strong public sentiment. According to Eurobarometer 2025 data, over 90% of Europeans believe urgent action is needed to protect children online. Research cited in the recent MEP report reveals that one in four European minors exhibits problematic smartphone usage, while a study by the French association e-Enfance indicates that 18% of children have experienced cyberbullying. Despite platforms’ stated age restrictions – prohibiting accounts for those under 13 – a concerning 67% of primary school students are reportedly active on social media.
A Focus on Enforcement and Adaptable Platforms
However, the e-Enfance association, while acknowledging the problem, advocates for stricter enforcement of existing age restrictions rather than outright bans. “We are more in favor of applying the 13-year rule that social networks themselves put forward. Age checks should already be put in place to allow this limit is respected,” explained Justine Atlan, the association’s director. She also suggested that platforms should develop age-appropriate content offerings.
Atlan expressed reservations about the effectiveness of the European age verification application, noting its primary focus on blocking access to pornographic sites rather than accurately verifying age for social media platforms. She believes the Australian model, with its emphasis on holding platforms accountable through potential sanctions, represents a distinct and potentially more effective approach than the European focus on age verification.
The success of the Australian legislation will hinge on the platforms’ ability – or willingness – to comply. As Atlan concludes, “I think that all countries, including the European Commission as a whole, will look at this closely, indeed.”
