🔗 Share this article

The nation's controversial move to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are observing closely to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.

The European Trend

Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of countries are considering similar bans.

• The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our kids' innocence". Legislation may be enacted next year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential options in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to pass a law increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended families to prevent their kids from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for minors without guardian approval is given. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A clear age restriction is a good foundation," commented a leading parliamentarian driving the resolution.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance

In the UK, the government has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "based on strong evidence".

Last year, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the government vowed to further research the topic.

Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. An organization set up by the relatives of a teenager who died after being exposed to disturbing online content suggests that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to design tools that are secure and age appropriate for young users," commented a leading child protection advocate.

The US: A Fragmented Approach

Stateside, regulation is largely occurring at the regional level amid national inaction.

• Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a bill barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a regulation limiting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with extra time dependent on adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed measures mandating guardian approval for minors to create social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from various individuals to mimic the Australian lead, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

International Perspectives

Apart from the West, further nations are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, world organizations adopt a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.

As this global debate unfolds, the steps of Australia and several other countries show that states around the world are no longer content to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.