Social Media to Be Banned for Under-18s? SC Orders Govt to Tighten IT Rules: These Countries Have Curbs for Children

The debate over a legal bar on social media access has intensified after the Supreme Court urged the Centre last week to consider statutory safeguards that could prevent children under 18 from independently creating social media accounts in India. This comes amid a growing international pressure to control minors’ access to platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube.

The Supreme Court was hearing a petition filed by the NGO Just Rights for Children Alliance, which sought safeguards for minors using social media and other digital platforms. A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, ordered the Centre to review whether present intermediary rules could be bolstered to ensure platforms comply with Indian law.

Why is the Supreme Court Seeking Social Media Curbs for U-18?

The court has suggested that social media platforms should not permit minors to individually register accounts, with 18 years emerging as the proposed minimum threshold. The Centre has signalled that it is prepared to amend the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules to frame a statutory obligation for intermediaries.

The issue is also linked to contractual capacity. The petition argues that under Section 11 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872, minors are not eligible to enter into contracts independently. It has sought effective age-assurance mechanisms and safeguards, while permitting access to educational content through accounts monitored by parents or guardians.

The petition has underscored risks including online grooming, sexual exploitation, cyberbullying, misuse of personal data, behavioural profiling and exposure to age-inappropriate content. The Centre's stance, as conveyed to the court, is that digital platforms will have to abide by Indian law.

Which Countries Are Restricting Social Media Use for Children?

India's debate is fuelled in the backdrop of several countries' measures towards tighter age limits. Australia became the first country to launch a nationwide social media ban for children under 16, with major platforms are mandated to prevent under-16s from holding accounts from December 2025. Companies can face enormous penalties for non-compliance.

Meanwhile, Indonesia implemented limitations on social media access for under-16s, while Greece banned social media access for children under 15. Canada has implemented legislation proposing limitations for under-16s, while New Zealand is also considering a similar measure. Norway, Poland and Slovenia have been working on proposals involving minimum ages or tighter limitations.

In France, parliament cleared an under-15 social media ban, but the country's top court blocked the move in August, while highlighting concerns over freedom of expression. Germany has also shifted towards tighter limitations for minor users.

EU Proposes Common Digital Age Rules

The European Commission has approved the EU KIDS Act, which would prohibit social media accounts for children under 13 and permit parent-supervised accounts for 13- and 14-year-olds. Independent social media accounts would be allowed from age 15 under the proposal. Platforms would also need requirements encompassing age verification, addictive features, personalised advertising, unsolicited contacts and child-safety mechanisms.

The proposal still awaits clearance from EU governments and the European Parliament.