More Countries Are Limiting Social Media for Children

Around the world, more governments are introducing laws to limit children's access to social media. Their main goal is to protect young people from problems such as cyberbullying, online predators, addiction, and poor mental health. However, these new rules have also started an international debate about privacy, freedom, and the role of parents.

Vietnam is considering one of the most unusual approaches so far. Instead of completely banning children under 16 from social media, the government wants them to keep their accounts while limiting what they can do. Under the proposed rules, children would not be allowed to post, comment, or react to content. Their accounts would also have to be registered under a parent's name, allowing parents to monitor both the content their children see and the amount of time they spend online.

The proposal would also require social media companies to identify young users and ensure they only see age-appropriate content. In addition, Vietnam is considering new gaming rules that would limit children under 16 to just one hour of play per game each day.

Vietnam is not the only country taking action. Australia became the first country to ban social media for children under 16 in 2025. The law requires major platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, YouTube, and X to prevent children from creating accounts. Companies that fail to follow the rules could face large financial penalties.

Other countries, including Canada, Denmark, Malaysia, Poland, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, Germany, Austria, and the United Kingdom, are either discussing similar laws or preparing new legislation. Although the age limits and details vary, these governments all share the same concern: protecting children from the risks of spending too much time on social media.

Supporters of these laws believe they will reduce online bullying, improve children's mental health, and encourage young people to spend more time reading, exercising, and socializing in person. They also argue that many social media platforms are designed to keep users online for as long as possible, making them especially attractive to children.

However, not everyone agrees. Some experts believe these bans may be difficult to enforce and could raise privacy concerns because platforms may need stronger age-verification systems. Others argue that teaching children how to use social media responsibly may be more effective than banning it completely.

As technology continues to develop, governments around the world face the difficult challenge of balancing children's safety with personal freedom. Whether these new laws succeed or not, they show that protecting young people online has become a global priority.

Vocabulary List

1. Restrict

Definition: To limit or control what someone can do.

Example:Many countries want to restrict children's use of social media.

Question:What are some things that governments should restrict?

2. Proposal

Definition: A plan or suggestion that has not yet been approved.

Example:Vietnam's proposal would require parents to register their children's accounts.

Question:Have you ever made a proposal at work or school?

3. Monitor

Definition: To watch or check something regularly.

Example:Parents may monitor how much time their children spend online.

Question:Should parents monitor their children's internet use? Why?

4. Age-appropriate

Definition: Suitable for a person's age.

Example:Children should only see age-appropriate content.

Question:Why is age-appropriate entertainment important?

5. Legislation

Definition: Laws that are created by a government.

Example:Several countries are introducing new legislation about social media.

Question:What new legislation would you like to see in your country?

6. Enforce

Definition: To make sure people follow a law or rule.

Example:The government believes it can enforce the new law.

Question:Why is it sometimes difficult to enforce laws?

7. Penalty

Definition: A punishment for breaking a rule or law.

Example:Companies may receive large financial penalties.

Question:What penalties are appropriate for companies that break the law?

8. Verify

Definition: To check that something is true.

Example:Social media companies may need to verify users' ages.

Question:How can websites verify a person's age?

9. Privacy

Definition: The right to keep personal information private.

Example:Some people worry that age verification could reduce privacy.

Question:How important is online privacy to you?

10. Concern

Definition: A worry or problem.

Example:Mental health is a major concern for many parents.

Question:What concerns do parents have about social media?

11. Cyberbullying

Definition: Bullying that happens online.

Example:Governments want to reduce cyberbullying.

Question:How can schools help stop cyberbullying?

12. Addiction

Definition: A strong dependence on something.

Example:Some experts believe social media can cause addiction.

Question:Can people become addicted to technology?

13. Predator

Definition: A person who tries to harm or exploit others, especially children.

Example:One goal of the new laws is to protect children from online predators.

Question:How can children stay safe online?

14. Balance

Definition: To find the right combination between two different things.

Example:Governments must balance safety and personal freedom.

Question:Why is it difficult to balance freedom and security?

15. Priority

Definition: Something that is considered very important.

Example:Protecting children has become a global priority.

Question:What are your top priorities in life?

Worksheet

Part A — Match the Vocabulary

Word	Definition
1. Restrict	a. A punishment
2. Monitor	b. To watch carefully
3. Penalty	c. To limit
4. Privacy	d. Personal information kept safe
5. Verify	e. To check if something is true

Part B — Fill in the Blanks

Use these words:

proposal • enforce • concern • legislation • addiction

1. The government introduced new __________ to protect children.

2. Internet safety is becoming a major __________ for parents.

3. Some people worry about social media __________.

4. The police must __________ the new laws.

5. Vietnam's __________ has not yet become law.

Part C — True or False

1. Vietnam wants to completely ban children from social media.

2. Parents would register social media accounts for children.

3. Australia already has a social media ban for children under 16.

4. Every country has chosen exactly the same age limit.

5. Some experts worry about privacy.

6. Everyone agrees these bans will work.

7. Governments want to reduce cyberbullying.

8. Children's online safety is becoming more important around the world.

Comprehension Questions

1. Why are many governments introducing new social media laws?

2. How is Vietnam's proposal different from a complete ban?

3. What responsibilities would parents have under Vietnam's proposal?

4. What would social media companies be required to do?

5. What additional restriction is Vietnam considering?

6. Which country was the first to introduce a social media ban for children under 16?

7. Name three other countries that are planning similar laws.

8. What benefits do supporters believe these laws will provide?

9. Why are some experts concerned about these proposals?

10. According to the article, what challenge do governments face?

Discussion Questions

Try to use today's vocabulary in your answers.

1. Should children under 16 be allowed to use social media? Why or why not?

2. Which approach do you prefer: a complete ban or Vietnam's proposal? Explain.

3. Should parents monitor everything their children do online?

4. At what age should teenagers be allowed to have social media accounts?

5. What are the biggest dangers children face online today?

6. Do social media companies have enough responsibility for children's safety?

7. Would these laws change the way families use technology?

8. How can schools teach children to use social media responsibly?

Critical Thinking Questions

1. If children cannot use social media, where might they spend their time instead? Would that always be better?

2. Could banning social media make children more curious about using it? Why?

3. Is education more effective than banning technology? Explain your opinion.

4. How might these laws affect social media companies' profits and business models?

5. Should governments decide how families raise their children, or should parents make these decisions? Why?

6. What problems might companies face when trying to verify users' ages?

7. Could these laws accidentally limit adults' privacy? How?

8. Imagine you are the CEO of TikTok. How would you protect children without banning them completely?

9. Ten years from now, do you think social media will be more restricted or less restricted? Explain your prediction.

10. Do you think governments should treat social media like alcohol or driving, with minimum age limits? Why or why not?