Vietnam Aims to Limit Kids’ Social Media Use: A Glimpse into Global Trends in Youth Online Safety

Vietnam is considering a unique approach to social media restrictions for youth, aiming to keep kids logged in but without the ability to engage with content.

According to a draft regulation from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, reported on Friday, users younger than 16 would retain access to their social media accounts but would be unable to post, comment, or react. Parents would need to register their children’s accounts and oversee their content interactions and time spent online. Social media platforms will be required to implement technology to identify underage users, ensuring they are exposed only to appropriate content.

Deputy Culture Minister Phan Tam emphasized that the intent is not to prohibit children’s online interactions, but to create a safer, age-appropriate environment for them. The decree is still in development and may undergo changes before it is formalized. Vietnam is also contemplating gaming restrictions that would limit playtime for users under 16 to 60 minutes per day and enforce similar parental registration guidelines.

In recent months, various nations have announced plans for social media restrictions targeting children and adolescents. Australia was the first to implement such a ban late last year, setting a standard for other countries to observe. France has also recently introduced similar measures.

These global regulatory initiatives are geared towards mitigating the potential dangers associated with social media for younger users, which include issues like cyberbullying, addiction, mental health challenges, and exposure to harmful content.

However, concerns about privacy and governmental overreach have been raised. Critics, including organizations like Amnesty Tech, argue that these bans might be ineffective and overlook the realities that young people face today. Despite these apprehensions, many countries are moving forward with their proposed regulations.

Australia

In December 2025, Australia became the first country to prohibit social media access for children under 16, including platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, but excluding WhatsApp and YouTube Kids. The government has mandated that companies take steps to prevent minors from using their services, with penalties of up to $49.5 million AUD for non-compliance.

Authorities expect these platforms to adopt multiple verification methods that ensure users are over 16 years old, stating that self-reported ages will not suffice.

Austria

In late March, Austria announced plans to ban social media for children aged 14 and under. The draft legislation is anticipated to be finalized by June.

Canada

In early June, Canada presented a digital safety bill that would restrict social media access for those under 16. Companies could potentially bypass these restrictions if they demonstrate protective measures for young users; however, passage of the bill may take around a year.

Denmark

Denmark plans to implement a ban on social media for users under 15, having gained support from several political parties. This legislation could be enacted as soon as mid-2026, along with the launch of an app for digital age verification.

France

On July 21, France instituted a law prohibiting social media access for anyone under 15, which may take effect as soon as September 1. The legislation also extends a ban on mobile phone usage in high schools, previously implemented in primary and middle schools.

Germany

In February, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s conservative party discussed a plan to prevent children under 16 from using social media, although some coalition partners appeared hesitant about a complete ban.

Greece

In April, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced intentions to prohibit social media access for children under 15 starting January 2027, aiming to address rising levels of anxiety and sleep issues linked to social media’s addictive nature.

Indonesia

Indonesia declared in March that it would ban children under 16 from accessing social media and other prominent online platforms, targeting sites like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.

Malaysia 

In November 2025, Malaysia announced plans for a ban on social media for children under 16, set to be enacted this year.

Poland

In February, Poland’s governing party began drafting legislation to ban social media for children under 15.

Slovenia

Slovenia’s deputy prime minister stated in early February that the country is preparing new laws to restrict social media access for children under 15, focusing on platforms where user-generated content is shared.

Spain

In early February, Spain’s prime minister announced plans for a ban on social media for individuals under 16, pending parliamentary approval. Additionally, the government aims to create a law making social media executives personally liable for hate speech on their platforms.

Turkey

In April, Turkey’s parliament passed legislation to limit social media access for children under 15, pending approval from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to finalize the law.

UK

On June 15, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to restrict social media access for children under 16, covering platforms such as Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram. Messaging apps like WhatsApp and Signal will not be affected, and new regulations for AI tools will require that certain chatbots are limited to adult users.

Experts have expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of such a broad ban. Nonetheless, Starmer has recognized the challenges and maintains that enforcement is possible, with implementation expected by spring 2027.

Vietnam

For the latest updates on Vietnam’s proposed regulations, see above.

This article was first published in February 2026 and is regularly updated with new developments.