🔗 Share this article

The nation's decisive action to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

The European Movement

In Europe, a increasing group of states are moving toward similar measures.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that phones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". Legislation may be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "an options in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to approve a proposal increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a similar action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Dutch government has urged parents to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a advisory motion calling for a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these services, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"A strong age limit is a useful starting point," said one parliamentarian supporting the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a future ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "based on conclusive research".

Earlier, momentum gathered behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the administration vowed to further research the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. An organization established by the family of a teenager who died after viewing disturbing social media material suggests that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to design tools that are safe and suitable for minors," commented a leading peer.

America: A Decentralized Approach

Across America, regulation is largely occurring at the regional government level against a backdrop of federal inaction.

• Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a law prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a law limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further time requiring adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills requiring adult authorization for minors to set up social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and calls from various figures to follow Australia's example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.

International Views

Apart from these regions, further nations are also taking action.

• The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, global agencies adopt a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The agency notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize safety.

Even as this international conversation evolves, the steps of Australia and others show that governments internationally are less and less prepared to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.