The Australian controversial move to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are observing intently to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.
The European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of nations are considering comparable restrictions.
- The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our kids' youth". Legislation may be passed next year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "influence of the AI".
- The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential tools on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has asked the legislature to approve a proposal raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to prevent their kids from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a symbolic statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is provided. While it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not establish binding law.
"A strong age barrier is a good first step," said the parliamentarian supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye
In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "grounded in conclusive data".
Last year, support built behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration committed to further research the matter.
Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a girl who died after encountering disturbing online content argues that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for young users," stated a influential peer.
The US: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, legislation is mostly unfolding at the state government level amid federal stalemate.
- Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has passed a measure barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has approved a rule restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further use requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws mandating adult authorization for minors to create social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and calls from some politicians to copy the Australian lead, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.
International Outlook
Outside of the West, further states are likewise taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, global agencies take a more cautious tone. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.
As this global conversation continues, the policies of Australia and several other countries show that policymakers globally are less and less prepared to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.
