Australia's controversial policy to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are observing closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.
European Trend
Across Europe, a increasing number of nations are moving toward similar restrictions.
- The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". The policy could be passed soon.
- Norway is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "one of the measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to pass a bill raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Dutch government has recommended parents to prevent their kids from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is provided. While it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the resolution does not create binding law.
"An effective age barrier is a solid foundation," said a leading European lawmaker supporting the initiative.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance
In the UK, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any action must be "supported by strong evidence".
Previously, momentum built behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the administration committed to further research the matter.
Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after encountering dangerous online content argues that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are secure and age appropriate for young users," said a prominent peer.
The United States: A Decentralized Approach
In the United States, regulation is primarily occurring at the local level due to federal inaction.
- The state of Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has signed a law banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a regulation capping minors to one hour of social media use per day, with additional access dependent on parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced measures demanding parental consent for under-16s to set up social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from various individuals to copy this path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
International Views
Beyond the West, other states are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.
However, global agencies take a more cautious position. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The body points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in safety.
As this international conversation unfolds, the steps of this nation and several other countries indicate that governments internationally are no longer prepared to delay for the industry to self-regulate.
