Australia's bold action to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.
European Movement
Across Europe, a growing chorus of states are exploring similar measures.
- The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". The policy may be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "an options on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has urged parliament to pass a bill lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to prevent their children from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a good first step," commented one European lawmaker supporting the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in robust research".
Last year, momentum grew behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. However, the government vowed to conduct more studies the issue.
Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. A prominent charity established by the family of a girl who died after encountering disturbing online content suggests that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to create tools that are safe and age appropriate for young users," said a prominent peer.
The US: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, action is mostly unfolding at the regional government level due to country-wide gridlock.
- Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has passed a law limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further use requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures requiring guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some figures to follow the Australian example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Global Perspectives
Apart from these regions, additional countries are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, international organizations take a more nuanced stance. Unicef has advised that social media bans have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The body points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.
Even as this worldwide debate continues, the actions of this nation and its followers demonstrate that states globally are increasingly content to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.
