Drawing a Line in Digital Spaces
Age-based restriction of social media
About
Social media – broadly defined as digital platforms enabling user interaction and content sharing – plays an integral role in many children’s daily lives. It can provide avenues for learning, connecting, play, and self-expression, all of which are essential to the realisation of children’s rights.
Alongside opportunities, there are serious risks of harm that need mitigation – a challenge that is increasing as technology evolves and connectivity expands worldwide. Over the last few years, some countries have moved to restrict social media access for children in response to these risks. These developments reflect a broader global shift towards regulatory interventions in social media, with age-based restrictions emerging as one potential component of a robust approach to protecting children online.
These two resources are designed to support countries exploring age-based limits for social media:
- Policy note (April 2025): Highlights key considerations for legislators, policymakers, and other stakeholders considering an age-based limit for social media. Due to the variety of legislative and regulatory proposals, the note does not provide detailed analysis; specific proposals and their implementation will require further consideration informed by evidence and children’s views. Available in English and Spanish.
- Rapid analysis (as of 13 March 2026): Provides an up-to-date global picture of proposed and enacted legislation introducing age-based restrictions for social media. It serves as a snapshot of the rapidly evolving landscape.
These resources are part of UNICEF’s global efforts to protect children from violence, abuse, and exploitation, including in digital environments.
