🔗 Share this article

The Australian bold policy to ban social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, campaigners, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.

The European Trend

Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are moving toward similar measures.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that phones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' youth". Legislation is expected to be formalized next year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "an options in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has urged parliament to enact a proposal raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their kids from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for minors except if guardian approval is provided. While it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the move does not create binding law.

"An effective age barrier is a useful starting point," said a leading European lawmaker driving the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach

For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "supported by strong evidence".

Last year, momentum grew behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration committed to further research the issue.

Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a teenager who died after encountering disturbing platform posts argues that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to design products and services that are appropriate and fit for children," stated a prominent child protection advocate.

The United States: A Decentralized Landscape

In the United States, regulation is primarily unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of federal inaction.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a measure barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a law capping minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional access requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted laws requiring guardian approval for teenagers to create social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from various individuals to mimic Australia's path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

International Perspectives

Apart from the West, further countries are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, world agencies take a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The body highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.

As this global conversation continues, the actions of this nation and its followers demonstrate that states internationally are increasingly prepared to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.