Vietnam is looking to restrict social media for kids; here are the growing number of other countries doing the same

Vietnam plans to join Australia and a growing list of nations restricting social media access for children, following Australia's groundbreaking ban enacted in late 2025. The Australian legislation targets users under 16, aiming to combat cyberbullying, addiction, and predator exposure.

Vietnam's move reflects a global trend. Multiple countries have either implemented or are drafting restrictions on youth social media use. The push stems from mounting evidence linking platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat to mental health deterioration, particularly among teenagers. Concerns center on algorithmic feeds designed to maximize engagement, sleep disruption from late-night scrolling, and the documented rise in anxiety and depression among young users.

Australia's ban set a precedent that other democracies are following. The regulatory approach varies by jurisdiction. Some countries implement age verification requirements without outright bans. Others have mandated parental controls and transparency requirements for algorithms. The European Union has leaned on the Digital Services Act to impose obligations on platforms, while the United States continues to debate federal legislation.

Tech platforms face mounting pressure from regulators worldwide. Meta, which owns Instagram and Facebook, has lobbied against age-based bans but implemented features like restricted accounts for younger users. TikTok faces particular scrutiny in multiple Western nations over data privacy and algorithmic concerns.

Vietnam's approach will test how restrictions play out in Southeast Asia, a region where social media adoption rates remain among the world's highest. The country's regulatory framework differs significantly from Western democracies, giving policymakers more flexibility to enforce restrictions without constitutional challenges.

The cascade of youth social media restrictions signals a shift in how governments view platform accountability. What began as parental concern has evolved into legislative action. Platforms will need to adapt business models or face regional bans. Vietnam's decision underscores that this is no longer a fringe policy debate but an emerging global standard