🔗 Share this article

The nation's controversial policy to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are observing intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

The European Trend

Across Europe, a rising chorus of countries are considering similar restrictions.

• The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that smartphones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' youth". A law may be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential tools in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has asked the legislature to pass a proposal increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in the Netherlands has advised parents to prevent their children from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory statement supporting a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these services, the move does not create binding law.

"An effective age limit is a solid starting point," commented a leading European lawmaker behind the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach

In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in strong research".

Last year, support gathered behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the government committed to further research the topic.

Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous platform posts argues that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to create products and services that are secure and suitable for young users," stated a prominent peer.

The US: A State-by-State Landscape

Across America, regulation is primarily occurring at the local government level amid national gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has signed a law prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a regulation limiting under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with any further time needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws mandating guardian approval for teenagers to create social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from certain figures to mimic the Australian path, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.

Global Views

Apart from the West, additional states are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.

However, world organizations take a more measured stance. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in safety.

Even as this international discussion unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and its followers indicate that states around the world are increasingly prepared to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.