Social media and its effect on developing minds has been in the news again, with tech companies including Meta and YouTube losing a six million dollar California lawsuit claiming they knowingly made their platforms addictive to teens. More than 500 additional cases have been filed in U.S. courts, demanding social media companies take responsibility for not only the content of their platforms, but the way it is presented. In some countries, governments have also stepped in to add extra controls, restrictions families need to be aware of when moving abroad.
In January of 2026 Australia made headlines when they banned social media for those under 16, which includes TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. The move came amidst growing concerns about the negative effects of screen time and surveys that showed more than half of tweens and teens had been bullied online. Indonesia followed suit in March, and expanded on Australia’s policy by including gaming sites aimed at children, such as Roblox.
Brazil has taken a different approach, requiring users under 16 to link their account to a parent or guardian’s. It also targets the features used by social media, preventing platforms from incorporating tactics such as auto-play and infinite scroll feeds that are designed to capture and keep attention.
France, Spain, Denmark, and Austria have also set legislation in motion, generally planning for an age limit of 15 or 16, and the United Kingdom has expressed interest in restricting the internet for young teens.
These laws even affect assignees who don’t have children. Often they apply more stringent ID verification to the log-in process than newcomers may be used to. And while in permissive countries users can just check a box indicating that they are of the required age, new restrictions may require uploading a copy of a government ID or even submitting to facial recognition. Some Australian adults report giving up their social media rather than deal with the hassle of verification.
These laws are not without their detractors, though. Some parents worry there are too many work-arounds, or that the official bans will push teens towards unofficial, even less regulated channels. Other parents are concerned that teens in rural areas, or those in minority communities, will lose access to valuable peer connection. As such, current legislation exists in a state of push-and-pull, with regulations in flux.
Living Abroad has its eye on these changes, and provides updated content on restrictions in “After Arrival — Get Connected – Computers”. Assignees will be well prepared for what they can and can’t access in their new home.
Written by Kate Havas, GMS-T, Content Manager
