Australia's controversial policy to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are watching closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Trend
Throughout Europe, a rising group of countries are moving toward similar measures.
- The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our kids' innocence". A law could be passed next year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "an options in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to approve a bill raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a symbolic motion calling for a ban for minors unless guardian approval is given. Although it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.
"An effective age barrier is a good starting point," said one parliamentarian supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance
Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in robust research".
Previously, momentum grew behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the government vowed to further research the matter.
Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. An organization established by the family of a young person who took her own life after viewing disturbing online content contends that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when users turn 16.
"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to design tools that are safe and fit for children," stated a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
In the United States, regulation is largely happening at the regional level amid national gridlock.
- Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a law banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a law capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional time needing parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted measures demanding guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from various individuals to follow this path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Worldwide Perspectives
Beyond Europe and the US, further countries are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.
However, global bodies adopt a more nuanced stance. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The organization points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.
While this global discussion evolves, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries show that states globally are no longer prepared to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.
