A big change is happening around the world: more governments are trying to set a higher minimum age for social media. Supporters say children need better protection from harmful content, online bullying, addictive design, and contact with strangers. Australia moved first. A law passed in 2024 set the minimum age at 16 for certain social media accounts, and from December 10, 2025, platforms have had to take “reasonable steps” to stop under-16s from creating or keeping accounts. Australia’s eSafety agency says this is meant to be a delay, not a lifetime ban, and the rules do not punish children or parents. (esafety.gov.au)

Now other countries are following. Indonesia began enforcing restrictions for under-16s on March 28, 2026, becoming the first country in Southeast Asia to do so. Austria announced on March 27, 2026 that it plans to ban social media use for children under 14, with draft legislation expected by the end of June. According to AP, France approved a bill in January to ban social media for children under 15, Spain has announced plans for an under-16 ban, Denmark has agreed on an under-15 access ban, and the British government has said it will consider similar action. (apnews.com)

Still, making these rules work is not easy. In Australia, the eSafety Commissioner said on March 31, 2026 that about 5 million accounts had been deactivated, but many children were still keeping accounts, opening new ones, or getting past age checks. Indonesia has also admitted that forcing platforms to comply will be difficult. So the global trend is clear, but the real test is no longer writing new laws. It is finding a fair, private, and effective way to check age online. For English learners, this story is interesting because it shows how one question — “How young is too young?” — is now being debated in many countries at the same time. (apnews.com)