Vietnam is proposing a novel approach to restricting social media use for children under 16 by muting their ability to post, comment, or react, rather than banning their access altogether. Under a draft decree from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, accounts for minors would need to be registered under a parent’s supervision, who would monitor content and screen time. The platforms would be tasked with verifying users’ ages and providing age-appropriate content. Additionally, Vietnam might impose gaming limits of 60 minutes per day on under-16 users, applying the same parental control rules.

This measure follows a global trend where multiple countries are moving to limit or ban social media access for youth to combat risks like cyberbullying, addiction, and exposure to harmful content. Australia became the first nation to implement a ban late in 2025, requiring social media companies to use robust age verification systems or face penalties up to $34.4 million USD. Other countries such as France, Denmark, Canada, and the UK have also introduced or plan similar bans targeting users typically under 15 or 16 years old.

There is, however, significant debate about the effectiveness and privacy implications of these restrictions. Advocacy groups like Amnesty Tech have criticized such bans as inadequate quick fixes that overlook cultural realities and the digital habits of younger generations. Governments remain committed to these policies despite concerns over invasive age verification technologies and enforcement challenges.

Currently, at least a dozen countries have announced or are drafting laws to restrict social media for children, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Spain, Turkey, Poland, Slovenia, Greece, Austria, and Germany. Many of these bans also extend regulations to related areas like AI chatbots or cell phone use in schools. Vietnam’s approach of muting participation rather than full exclusion represents a unique variation amid this expanding global push to shield minors from the potential harms of social media.