🔗 Share this article

Australia's bold action to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are observing intently to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.

European Movement

In Europe, a growing number of countries are considering parallel bans.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". The policy may be formalized soon.
• Norway is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential tools in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has urged parliament to pass a proposal raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Netherlands has recommended parents to block their children from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic statement demanding a ban for minors without guardian approval is given. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the move does not enact binding law.

"A clear age limit is a solid starting point," stated the parliamentarian driving the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye

For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "based on strong research".

Last year, interest gathered behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the administration committed to further research the issue.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. One foundation established by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing online content argues that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to design products and services that are appropriate and fit for minors," stated a influential child protection advocate.

The US: A Decentralized Landscape

Across America, action is largely unfolding at the state level amid federal gridlock.

• Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a bill barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a rule restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional access dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted laws requiring parental consent for under-16s to set up social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from various individuals to mimic the Australian example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Outlook

Beyond the West, further nations are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, global organizations strike a more cautious tone. Unicef has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "could backfire". The body points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve safety.

Even as this global discussion continues, the actions of this nation and others show that policymakers around the world are no longer prepared to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.