The Australian controversial move to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and families are observing closely to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.
The European Movement
In Europe, a rising number of nations are moving toward parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our children's innocence". Legislation may be passed next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "an options on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has called on lawmakers to approve a proposal increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has advised guardians to block their youngsters from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding motion demanding a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is given. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the step does not create enforceable legislation.
"An effective age restriction is a useful starting point," said the MEP supporting the initiative.
Britain: A Watchful Approach
For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".
Last year, support built behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. However, the administration vowed to further research the matter.
Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the family of a girl who was lost after being exposed to disturbing social media material suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when users turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for children," said a prominent child protection advocate.
The US: A State-by-State Landscape
Stateside, legislation is largely happening at the regional level due to federal stalemate.
- Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a law barring under-14s from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has approved a regulation restricting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with any further access requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws demanding adult authorization for under-16s to open social media profiles.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from various figures to copy the Australian path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Outlook
Apart from these regions, other states are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, world bodies adopt a more nuanced tone. Unicef has warned that social media bans have downsides and "could backfire". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in safety.
While this international discussion continues, the policies of the Australian government and its followers show that governments around the world are no longer willing to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.
