The Australian decisive action to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
Throughout Europe, a rising number of countries are considering similar bans.
- The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that phones and apps are "taking away our kids' childhood". The policy may be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media users. Officials have suggested that an similar ban remains "a potential options under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to pass a proposal increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has urged families to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding statement calling for a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is granted. While it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not create binding law.
"An effective age restriction is a good first step," commented a leading parliamentarian behind the measure.
The UK: A Cautious Stance
Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "based on conclusive evidence".
Previously, interest gathered behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration committed to investigate the topic.
Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. One foundation set up by the family of a teenager who died after viewing disturbing social media material contends that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are safe and fit for children," said a leading peer.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
In the United States, legislation is mostly unfolding at the local level amid country-wide inaction.
- Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has passed a measure prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule capping under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra use requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures mandating adult authorization for teenagers to create social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain figures to mimic the Australian example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Views
Apart from the West, further countries are also exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, world bodies adopt a more measured stance. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even backfire". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.
While this international conversation continues, the policies of Australia and its followers show that policymakers around the world are no longer willing to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.
