Spain Becomes First European Country to Ban Social Media for Children Under 16

Spain has announced a nationwide ban on social media access for children below 16 years of age, becoming the first country in Europe to take such a step and the second globally after Australia. The decision was announced by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez during his address at the World Government Summit in Dubai. The ban is expected to come into force within a week. The move is important as it reflects growing global concern over child safety, mental health, and digital regulation in the age of social media.

Background: Rising Concerns Over Children and Social Media

In recent years, the use of social media among children and teenagers has increased sharply. While digital platforms offer learning and communication opportunities, they have also raised serious concerns related to online addiction, cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, and data privacy.

Governments across the world are increasingly debating how to protect children in the digital space. Spain’s decision follows similar discussions in several countries and comes after Australia introduced a comparable ban in December 2025.

Key Announcement by Spain

While speaking at the World Government Summit, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described the current online environment as a “digital wild west.” He stated that stronger rules are needed to protect minors from unchecked digital platforms.

Under the new policy:

• Children below 16 years will not be allowed to access social media platforms.

• The ban will be implemented nationwide.

• Social media companies will be expected to ensure strict age verification and compliance.

With this step, Spain becomes the first European nation to enforce a legal age-based ban on social media.

Global Context: Australia’s Earlier Move

Spain is the second country in the world to impose such a restriction, after Australia. Australia implemented a similar under-16 social media ban in December 2025.

Following Australia’s decision, several technology companies raised concerns. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, reported that it had removed more than 5.5 lakh underage accounts. Meta argued that industry-led safety standards would be more effective than blanket bans.

Significance of Spain’s Decision

Spain’s move is expected to intensify the global debate on:

• Child protection in digital spaces
• Digital rights and freedom of expression
• Accountability of social media platforms

As a major European country, Spain’s decision could influence other European Union members to consider similar laws or stricter digital regulations.

Impact on Technology Companies and Society

The ban places greater responsibility on social media platforms to improve age-verification systems and content controls. It may also affect how children and families interact with digital technology.

Supporters argue that the policy will:

• Improve mental health and well-being of children
• Reduce online exploitation and harmful exposure

Critics, however, raise concerns about implementation challenges, enforcement, and children’s access to digital learning tools.

About Spain

• Capital: Madrid
• Prime Minister: Pedro Sánchez
• Currency: Euro

Spain is a member of the European Union and plays an active role in global discussions on governance, social policy, and digital regulation.