Australia's controversial move to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are watching closely to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a rising chorus of states are moving toward parallel measures.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our children's childhood". The policy may be formalized next year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the options in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has called on the legislature to enact a proposal raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The government in The Netherlands has urged guardians to block their kids from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a non-binding motion demanding a ban for minors except if guardian approval is granted. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.
"A clear age barrier is a good first step," commented one parliamentarian driving the initiative.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach
In the UK, the government has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in strong data".
Previously, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. However, the government committed to further research the matter.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. An organization established by the family of a girl who was lost after being exposed to dangerous online content argues that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when users reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to design products and services that are appropriate and fit for young users," said a leading child protection advocate.
The United States: A State-by-State Landscape
In the United States, legislation is largely happening at the regional government level due to country-wide gridlock.
- Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has passed a measure barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a rule capping minors to one hour of social media use per day, with extra access needing adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws demanding adult authorization for minors to open social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from various individuals to copy the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Perspectives
Outside of the West, other nations are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, international agencies adopt a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The agency points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in user protection.
As this worldwide debate continues, the policies of Australia and its followers indicate that policymakers around the world are less and less prepared to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.
