Social Media Bans for Minors: A Global Trend and Italy’s Position

The debate surrounding social media access for minors is intensifying globally, with several countries enacting or considering legislation to restrict platform employ. This push stems from growing concerns about the impact of social media on adolescent mental health and well-being. While proponents advocate for protection, critics raise concerns about censorship and the effectiveness of such bans. Italy is currently grappling with this issue, with multiple bills under consideration in Parliament.

International Approaches to Social Media Restrictions

Australia: Pioneering a Strict Ban

Australia became the first country to implement a nationwide law prohibiting social media use for individuals under 16, effective December 2025. The law mandates age verification systems, potentially utilizing identification documents, facial analysis, or banking data. This approach has faced criticism from tech companies, digital rights advocates, and Amnesty International, who express concerns about mass surveillance and the potential for circumvention, pushing users towards less regulated online spaces.

France and Portugal: Experimenting with Restrictions

In France, the National Assembly has approved a bill prohibiting social media use for minors under 15, with implementation anticipated in the 2026-27 school year, pending Senate approval. President Emmanuel Macron has framed this as a response to scientific evidence regarding the effects of social media on adolescent brain development. Portugal has also enacted legislation restricting access, banning children under 13 entirely and requiring explicit, verified parental consent for users aged 13-16 through a national digital identity system.

European Union: A Supranational Push for 16

The European Parliament has approved a non-binding resolution suggesting a minimum age of 16 for accessing social media, with parental authorization required for users between 13 and 16. This resolution links the issue to the Digital Services Act and calls for a common European app for age verification, as well as limitations on addictive features like infinite scrolling and targeted advertising.

Italy’s Legislative Landscape

Italy currently has several proposals under consideration. Bill “Protection of minors in the digital dimension” (dll no. 1136), supported by multiple parties, aims to prohibit access for those under 15, incorporating age checks using identification and involving regulatory bodies like Agcom and the Privacy Guarantor. Other proposals suggest a complete ban under 13 and parental consent for ages 13-15. Minister of Education Giuseppe Valditara has publicly supported extending the ban to under 16s, but the final decision rests with Parliament.

Challenges and Criticisms of Social Media Bans

Age Verification: A Persistent Weakness

A common challenge across all proposed models is effective age verification. Experts point out that VPNs, false data, and adult-registered accounts can easily bypass these systems. Concerns exist that bans may drive children towards less regulated platforms or hidden online spaces, making it harder to monitor their activity and provide support.

The Role of Digital Education

Critics, such as educator Vincenzo Schettini, argue that bans are easily circumvented and that the focus should be on dialogue between parents and children and comprehensive digital education in schools. While Minister Valditara supports bans, he acknowledges that banning alone is insufficient and that adults must actively engage in children’s online experiences.

The debate highlights a fundamental question: is politics focused on genuine solutions—a combination of rules, education, and psychological support—or simply seeking symbolic gestures for public debate?