The nation's decisive policy to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a rising number of states are exploring comparable bans.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that phones and apps are "taking away our children's youth". A law is expected to be enacted next year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "an tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to pass a law lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic statement calling for a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is given. Although it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age restriction is a solid foundation," commented the European lawmaker behind the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".
Earlier, support grew behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. However, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the issue.
Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a girl who died after encountering harmful platform posts contends that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users become eligible.
"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to create products and services that are safe and suitable for young users," said a influential peer.
The US: A Decentralized Landscape
In the United States, regulation is primarily happening at the regional government level due to national gridlock.
- Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a bill barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has passed a regulation limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra use requiring parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills demanding adult authorization for minors to set up social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from various politicians to copy Australia's example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Perspectives
Beyond these regions, additional nations are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.
However, world bodies strike a more cautious tone. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The body highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in safety.
While this international discussion evolves, the steps of Australia and its followers show that governments globally are increasingly willing to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.
