The Australian decisive policy to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are observing closely to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.
European Movement
In Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are considering parallel restrictions.
- The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our kids' youth". A law is expected to be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to approve a bill lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Dutch government has urged parents to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is granted. Although it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the step does not establish binding law.
"A strong age restriction is a good foundation," said the European lawmaker behind the initiative.
Britain: A Watchful Eye
Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "based on conclusive evidence".
Previously, support gathered behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government pledged to investigate the matter.
Campaign organizations have raised warnings. An organization established by the loved ones of a girl who died after being exposed to disturbing online content argues that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to build tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Fragmented Picture
In the United States, legislation is largely occurring at the regional level due to national stalemate.
- Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a rule limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further time dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills demanding guardian approval for minors to create social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from some figures to follow Australia's example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Global Perspectives
Beyond the West, other states are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, world organizations take a more cautious position. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in safety.
As this international debate evolves, the policies of Australia and others show that policymakers around the world are increasingly prepared to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.
