The Australian controversial policy to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and families are watching closely to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.
The European Momentum
Across Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are considering parallel measures.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our youngsters' youth". Legislation is expected to be passed soon.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban remains "a potential options in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on the legislature to approve a bill raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised families to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic motion calling for a ban for under-16s without parental consent is granted. Although it warns of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the move does not create binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a useful first step," said a leading parliamentarian supporting the resolution.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye
For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in strong data".
Earlier, momentum grew behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the administration committed to investigate the matter.
Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a girl who died after encountering dangerous online content suggests that a simple age ban may not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when users become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for children," commented a prominent peer.
The United States: A State-by-State Landscape
Across America, action is mostly unfolding at the state government level against a backdrop of national gridlock.
- Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a law banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law restricting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra access dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted measures requiring guardian approval for under-16s to create social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from various figures to mimic this lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.
International Perspectives
Beyond the West, other countries are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, international agencies adopt a more measured stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
Even as this global discussion evolves, the policies of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that states globally are less and less content to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.
