Snapchat Restricts Teen Accounts Amid Social Media Crackdown

Snapchat has introduced major restrictions for younger users as governments around the world increase pressure on social media companies to improve online safety for children and teenagers. The changes come as the United Kingdom considers following Australia’s lead in banning social media access for users under the age of 16.

On June 10, Snap announced that accounts belonging to users aged 13 to 15 would automatically shift to a stricter “friends-only” model. Under the new settings, teenagers can interact only with mutually accepted contacts, while their Stories and videos will no longer be distributed through Snapchat’s Spotlight content-discovery feature. The move is designed to limit exposure to strangers and reduce the spread of potentially harmful or addictive content.

The updated system also introduces stronger privacy and safety protections for younger users. By restricting profile visibility and limiting unsolicited contact, Snapchat is reshaping how under-16 users experience the platform. The changes are supported by enhanced content moderation measures and the continued expansion of the Snapchat Family Center, which provides parents with additional oversight tools.

The company’s latest actions arrive as policymakers in the United Kingdom weigh legislation similar to Australia’s social media restrictions. Australia approved its ban in late 2024, with enforcement beginning in December 2025. The policy prohibits social media access for users under 16 and requires potentially risky features, including direct messaging from strangers, to remain disabled by default for 16- and 17-year-olds unless they are manually activated.

Snapchat, along with Meta and YouTube, has publicly opposed the proposed U.K. approach, arguing that blanket restrictions could drive young users toward less regulated online platforms. However, the impact of Australia’s legislation has already been significant. Following the rollout of age-verification measures, Snapchat removed approximately 415,000 accounts identified as belonging to underage users.

Industry observers view Snapchat’s latest safety measures as an effort to reduce regulatory pressure and avoid similar large-scale account removals in other countries. For younger users, the platform is increasingly evolving from a traditional social media network into a private communication service centered on friends and family. While this reduces access to many public-facing features, it allows younger users to remain on the platform until they become eligible for a full adult account experience.

The broader social media industry is also adapting to growing concerns about online safety. Instagram has promoted age restrictions managed through app stores and expanded its own teen-focused account protections. However, unlike Snapchat’s latest model, Instagram still provides access to its algorithmically curated Reels feed.

Governments around the world continue to examine measures aimed at protecting children from harmful and addictive online content. At least 12 countries have either introduced or are actively considering similar restrictions. While critics argue that tools such as VPNs can be used to bypass age-based bans, Snapchat’s sweeping overhaul highlights the increasing pressure social media platforms face as regulators push for stronger protections for younger users.