The Australian decisive action to ban social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and families are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
The European Movement
Throughout Europe, a growing group of countries are considering similar measures.
- The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". A law may be passed next year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential options on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to approve a bill lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a related action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in the Netherlands has advised families to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is granted. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the step does not enact mandatory rules.
"A strong age restriction is a solid foundation," stated a leading European lawmaker supporting the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Stance
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in strong research".
Last year, interest gathered behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the administration committed to conduct more studies the matter.
Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. One foundation set up by the relatives of a girl who died after viewing dangerous platform posts suggests that a simple age ban may not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when teens turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are safe and fit for minors," stated a prominent peer.
America: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, legislation is largely unfolding at the local government level against a backdrop of federal inaction.
- Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has passed a measure barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a regulation limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional access requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills mandating adult authorization for minors to set up social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from certain politicians to mimic this lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.
Global Outlook
Beyond Europe and the US, additional states are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, international bodies adopt a more measured position. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.
While this worldwide discussion unfolds, the policies of this nation and others indicate that policymakers globally are increasingly willing to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.
