Australia's controversial action to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are observing intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
Across Europe, a rising number of countries are exploring comparable restrictions.
- The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our kids' childhood". A law is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the options in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the president has asked the legislature to pass a bill raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The administration in the Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their children from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the step does not establish binding law.
"A strong age limit is a useful foundation," said one European lawmaker driving the initiative.
The UK: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "based on robust data".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the government committed to further research the topic.
Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. One foundation established by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous social media material argues that a strict age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to design products and services that are safe and age appropriate for children," said a influential child protection advocate.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
Across America, regulation is largely happening at the regional level amid national inaction.
- The state of Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a law barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- The state of Virginia has passed a rule capping teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional access dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures demanding guardian approval for under-16s to create social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from some individuals to mimic this example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
International Outlook
Beyond these regions, further countries are also exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, world organizations take a more measured position. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.
While this worldwide debate continues, the actions of the Australian government and others indicate that policymakers around the world are less and less prepared to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.
