The Australian decisive move to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are watching intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.
European Trend
Throughout Europe, a rising number of states are exploring comparable measures.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our children's youth". Legislation could be enacted soon.
- Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential options in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to approve a law lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a similar step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has urged guardians to prevent their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic statement calling for a ban for minors without guardian approval is given. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the move does not create binding law.
"A clear age restriction is a solid foundation," said a leading European lawmaker supporting the resolution.
Britain: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in conclusive data".
Last year, momentum built behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the government vowed to conduct more studies the matter.
Charities have voiced warnings. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after viewing dangerous online content suggests that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for children," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
America: A State-by-State Landscape
Across America, regulation is primarily happening at the state government level amid federal stalemate.
- The state of Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a measure barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with any further use requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced bills mandating parental consent for under-16s to open social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from some figures to copy this path, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
International Perspectives
Beyond Europe and the US, further nations are similarly exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, international bodies take a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could backfire". The body points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.
While this global conversation evolves, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that states around the world are less and less content to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.
