The Australian decisive policy to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and families are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.
European Momentum
Across Europe, a rising number of states are moving toward similar measures.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that phones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". The policy is expected to be formalized next year.
- Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential options under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked parliament to approve a law raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a similar move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has urged parents to block their children from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic statement calling for a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A clear age barrier is a useful starting point," said one parliamentarian driving the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance
In the UK, the administration has kept open a future ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "supported by strong data".
Earlier, momentum grew behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. However, the government pledged to investigate the issue.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. One foundation set up by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after viewing disturbing social media material argues that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are secure and suitable for minors," said a influential peer.
America: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, action is primarily unfolding at the state level due to national stalemate.
- Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a law limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra access dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed bills demanding parental consent for under-16s to set up social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from certain figures to follow this example, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Outlook
Outside of these regions, further states are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, world organizations take a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might backfire". The body points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.
As this international discussion continues, the actions of this nation and others demonstrate that policymakers internationally are less and less willing to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.
