Australia's decisive action to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Movement
In Europe, a rising chorus of nations are moving toward similar bans.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that phones and platforms are "robbing our kids' youth". A law may be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "power of the AI".
- The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "an tools in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has called on parliament to approve a law raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the step does not establish mandatory rules.
"A strong age restriction is a good foundation," said the parliamentarian supporting the measure.
Britain: A Watchful Stance
For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any action must be "supported by conclusive evidence".
Previously, momentum built behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. However, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the matter.
Charities have voiced apprehensions. An organization set up by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after encountering harmful platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for children," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
America: A State-by-State Approach
Across America, regulation is largely unfolding at the local level due to country-wide gridlock.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a law barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation capping under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra use dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills demanding guardian approval for minors to create social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from some figures to copy Australia's path, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.
Global Outlook
Beyond these regions, other nations are likewise considering moves.
- The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, international bodies adopt a more measured tone. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "could backfire". The organization points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.
As this global debate evolves, the policies of Australia and others demonstrate that governments around the world are no longer content to wait for platforms to self-regulate.
