The nation's controversial policy to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are watching intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a rising group of states are exploring parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our kids' innocence". A law is expected to be formalized next year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an similar ban could be "one of the measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to approve a bill lifting the minimum 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 suggested a related action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has advised families to restrict their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a symbolic motion demanding a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is provided. Although it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these services, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age limit is a useful foundation," stated one European lawmaker driving the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any action must be "grounded in conclusive data".
Last year, support gathered behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the government vowed to conduct more studies the topic.
Charities have voiced warnings. One foundation founded by the family of a girl who was lost after encountering disturbing platform posts contends that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users become eligible.
"This ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to create products and services that are safe and fit for young users," commented a leading peer.
The US: A State-by-State Landscape
In the United States, action is largely occurring at the regional level due to country-wide inaction.
- Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has passed a bill barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation capping under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional access requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures mandating adult authorization for minors to create social media accounts.
Despite widespread concern and calls from various figures to mimic Australia's path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Global Views
Beyond the West, other nations are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
However, global agencies take a more cautious tone. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even backfire". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.
Even as this worldwide conversation continues, the actions of Australia and others show that policymakers globally are less and less willing to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.
