The Australian decisive move to ban social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Momentum
Throughout Europe, a increasing number of countries are exploring comparable measures.
- The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". A law is expected to be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the AI".
- The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an similar ban remains "one of the measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has urged parliament to pass a law lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The government in the Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their children from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age restriction is a solid starting point," commented the MEP supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye
Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".
Last year, interest built behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the administration committed to investigate the topic.
Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. A prominent charity founded by the family of a girl who took her own life after encountering disturbing online content suggests that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for minors," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A Fragmented Approach
Across America, legislation is primarily unfolding at the state level due to country-wide gridlock.
- Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has passed a measure banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a regulation capping minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra time requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed bills requiring guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some politicians to follow this lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
International Views
Beyond Europe and the US, additional states are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, global agencies adopt a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.
Even as this worldwide debate continues, the steps of Australia and several other countries show that policymakers internationally are increasingly content to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.
