The nation's decisive action to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
In Europe, a rising chorus of countries are considering parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that phones and apps are "robbing our children's youth". Legislation may be passed soon.
- Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an similar ban could be "a potential tools on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to approve a proposal raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a non-binding motion demanding a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is given. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the move does not establish mandatory rules.
"A strong age barrier is a useful foundation," commented the parliamentarian behind the resolution.
Britain: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the government has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in robust evidence".
Previously, support gathered behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to investigate the issue.
Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. One foundation established by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after viewing dangerous online content suggests that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when teens become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are secure and suitable for children," commented a leading child protection advocate.
The United States: A Decentralized Picture
Stateside, regulation is largely unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of national gridlock.
- The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a bill banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule restricting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with extra time requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws requiring guardian approval for minors to create social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from some figures to mimic this lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
International Perspectives
Beyond the West, additional nations are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, world agencies take a more nuanced stance. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could backfire". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in safety.
Even as this worldwide debate continues, the policies of Australia and several other countries show that governments globally are less and less willing to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
