Austria plans ban on social media use for children under 14

Austria’s coalition government has announced plans to ban social media use for children under the age of 14, as part of efforts to address risks linked to online platforms.

The proposal was presented by members of the three governing parties, including Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler. The measure is intended to protect children from what officials describe as addictive platform features and exposure to harmful content, including sexual abuse material.

Details of how the ban will be implemented have not yet been finalised. The government has indicated that draft legislation is expected by the end of June 2026. Authorities also noted that the rules would not target specific platforms by name, but instead apply based on criteria such as the nature of content and the design of platform algorithms.

The proposal follows similar developments in other countries. Australia introduced a ban on social media use for under-16s in late 2025, while France’s lower house approved a restriction for users under 15 earlier in 2026.

Officials in Austria stated that the measure responds to growing concerns about the impact of social media on children’s wellbeing and development.