Mexico considers social media restrictions for minors, exploring measures like Australia to protect children from cyberbullying and harmful content.
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| Mexico studies age-based social media limits amid global concern over children’s online safety, following models in Australia and Europe. Image: CH |
Mexico City, Mexico – March 12, 2026:
Mexico is exploring the possibility of restricting social media use for minors, aligning with a growing global effort to protect children from online harms. Mario Delgado, the country’s Public Education Secretary, told AFP that the government is studying measures similar to those implemented in Australia, where platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat are required to remove accounts held by users under 16 or face substantial fines.
Countries around the world are increasingly focused on the risks posed by unrestricted social media access for children. France has approved legislation to ban social media use for those under 15, although it still awaits Senate ratification. Australia reports that its restrictions have already contributed to reduced cyberbullying and improved concentration among students. Meanwhile, nations including Britain, Spain, Denmark, India, Indonesia, and Portugal are considering similar policies. These global trends underscore the tension between digital freedom and the state’s responsibility to protect and educate minors.
Delgado emphasized that governments have a duty to establish limits to safeguard children while fostering a responsible digital culture. He criticized platforms such as Meta and TikTok, noting that their primary goal is gaining followers rather than ensuring the safety of young users. Although these platforms require users to be at least 13 and provide safety features for teenagers, enforcement remains inconsistent, leaving many children exposed to violent, pornographic, or harmful content.
Unlike Brazil and Chile, which have banned non-essential smartphone use in schools, Mexico is taking a consultative approach. Delgado stressed that any restrictions should emerge from grassroots discussions with parents, teachers, and local communities to determine the practical limits and methods of implementation. Tech companies will participate in the conversation, but the focus is on promoting responsible and conscious digital habits rather than imposing outright prohibitions.
Delgado expressed personal support for the Australian model, citing his experience as a father and noting the positive impacts observed abroad on student attention and online safety. The government aims to release formal proposals for social media regulations by June 2026, seeking a balance between protecting minors and allowing them access to the digital world.
If implemented, these measures could significantly influence Mexican society by improving educational focus, fostering digital literacy, and holding tech companies accountable for the safety of young users. Mexico’s measured approach highlights the global debate over children’s rights, online exposure, and the responsibilities of both governments and technology companies in shaping a safer digital environment.