Governments across Europe and Asia are accelerating efforts to shield children from the risks of social media, with France, the United Kingdom, and Indonesia each advancing distinct but convergent policies. The most immediate deadline falls in France, where the government has requested an opinion from the European Commission by 10 July on its proposed law to ban social media access for under-15s. The legislation, revised by the Senate, is championed by Digital Minister Anne Le Hénanff, who has reiterated her aim to have it in force by the start of the school year in September. The move places Paris in a delicate position: it must secure Brussels’ approval under EU digital rules while responding to domestic pressure for swift action.

In London, the government of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is widely expected to announce restrictions on social media use for under-16s in the coming days. To prepare the ground, ministers have unveiled a £132.5 million funding boost for after-school clubs, designed to offer children alternative activities such as music, engineering, debating, and football. The Department for Education has confirmed that Ofsted will now assess a school’s enrichment offer as part of its personal development evaluation. Analysts in London note that the funding serves both to mitigate the social impact of a ban and to signal that the state is offering constructive alternatives rather than mere prohibition.

Viewed from Jakarta, the approach is notably different. Indonesia’s recently enacted Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025, known as PP TUNAS, does not ban children from the internet but instead aims to delay their entry into high-risk digital spaces. Officials from the Ministry of Communication and Digital insist the policy is about protection, not prohibition. Meanwhile, Minister Meutya Hafid has called on young people to become “ambassadors of healthy internet” and frontline defenders against digital crime, including hoaxes, hate speech, and cyber threats. The government has also stressed its openness to public criticism, framing digital space as a democratic arena that must be kept free from provocation.

Despite these differing legal mechanisms, a common thread emerges: the recognition that unregulated social media poses serious risks to minors, and that state intervention is necessary. France’s push for an EU-wide precedent, Britain’s investment in enrichment programmes, and Indonesia’s emphasis on digital literacy all reflect a growing consensus that the status quo is unsustainable. Yet challenges remain. The French proposal must navigate EU internal market rules; the UK ban will face questions about enforcement and age verification; and Indonesia’s softer approach may struggle against the commercial pull of platforms. As the 10 July EU deadline approaches, the world will be watching to see whether Paris can set a template that others might follow.