Australia's decisive move to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are watching intently to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Movement
Across Europe, a growing group of states are exploring comparable bans.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that phones and apps are "robbing our children's youth". The policy may be formalized soon.
- Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential options in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to approve a proposal lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised families to restrict their children from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.
"A strong age restriction is a good starting point," stated one parliamentarian supporting the measure.
Britain: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in robust research".
Last year, momentum grew behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the government pledged to further research the topic.
Campaign organizations have raised concerns. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a girl who was lost after viewing disturbing social media material argues that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for children," said a prominent peer.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
Across America, action is largely occurring at the local level due to federal inaction.
- Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a law restricting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further access requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced bills demanding guardian approval for under-16s to open social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from some figures to mimic this path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Global Perspectives
Beyond Europe and the US, other states are also taking action.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
However, global bodies strike a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could backfire". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.
Even as this global discussion evolves, the actions of this nation and others demonstrate that governments around the world are no longer willing to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.
