Australia's decisive move to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and families are monitoring intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Trend
In Europe, a rising chorus of countries are considering parallel restrictions.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that phones and apps are "taking away our children's childhood". The policy could be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the AI".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to approve a law raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.
"An effective age restriction is a solid starting point," said the parliamentarian supporting the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach
In the UK, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "based on conclusive data".
Earlier, interest built behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the administration committed to further research the issue.
Charities have voiced apprehensions. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after encountering harmful social media material argues that a simple age ban might not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are secure and suitable for minors," stated a prominent peer.
The US: A State-by-State Landscape
Across America, action is largely unfolding at the local government level against a backdrop of federal inaction.
- The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has signed a law barring under-14s from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has approved a regulation limiting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with additional use needing a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted laws demanding guardian approval for minors to create social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from certain politicians to copy Australia's path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.
International Views
Outside of Europe and the US, further nations are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, global organizations adopt a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.
While this international discussion evolves, the steps of Australia and its followers indicate that policymakers around the world are no longer content to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.
