The Australian controversial policy to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are observing closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.
European Movement
Throughout Europe, a growing number of countries are moving toward comparable measures.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our kids' childhood". The policy is expected to be enacted soon.
- The Norwegian government is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "an options on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to enact a proposal lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a related step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding statement calling for a ban for minors except if parental consent is granted. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.
"A strong age restriction is a good foundation," said one MEP behind the initiative.
The UK: A Cautious Eye
Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in robust evidence".
Earlier, support gathered behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the issue.
Charities have expressed concerns. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a young person who died after being exposed to disturbing online content contends that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people reach the legal age.
"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for children," commented a leading peer.
The United States: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, regulation is primarily happening at the state government level due to country-wide inaction.
- Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a measure prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a regulation limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra time dependent on a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced measures demanding adult authorization for minors to open social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from some figures to copy the Australian path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Global Views
Outside of these regions, additional nations are also exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.
However, international organizations adopt a more measured tone. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The agency points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this global debate evolves, the actions of this nation and its followers indicate that states around the world are no longer prepared to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.
