Australia's bold action to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.
Across Europe Movement
Across Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are considering similar bans.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our youngsters' youth". Legislation may be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "one of the options on the table".
- In Spain, the president has called on parliament to approve a proposal lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has urged families to restrict their children from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is given. Although it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.
"A clear age barrier is a good foundation," said the European lawmaker supporting the measure.
Britain: A Watchful Eye
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "based on robust data".
Last year, support grew behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government vowed to conduct more studies the topic.
Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a girl who was lost after encountering dangerous platform posts contends that a strict age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to build tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," said a leading online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Fragmented Approach
Across America, regulation is largely occurring at the regional government level due to federal stalemate.
- Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has passed a law prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a regulation capping under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with any further use needing parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws demanding adult authorization for teenagers to create social media profiles.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain individuals to copy this example, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Global Perspectives
Beyond the West, other nations are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, international agencies take a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
While this international discussion evolves, the steps of this nation and others show that states globally are less and less willing to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.
