🔗 Share this article

The Australian bold policy to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are watching closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.

European Trend

In Europe, a rising chorus of states are moving toward similar bans.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that phones and platforms are "taking away our kids' childhood". Legislation could be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an similar ban remains "one of the measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has called on parliament to pass a law raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a related move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Dutch government has urged families to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a advisory statement supporting a ban for minors without parental consent is given. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the move does not enact binding law.

"A clear age barrier is a solid starting point," said a leading parliamentarian driving the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance

In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "supported by strong data".

Previously, momentum gathered behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. However, the government pledged to further research the topic.

Charities have expressed concerns. One foundation founded by the family of a girl who was lost after viewing harmful online content contends that a simple age ban may not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when teens reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are secure and age appropriate for children," commented a prominent peer.

The US: A State-by-State Landscape

Stateside, regulation is largely occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a measure banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a law capping minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further time requiring a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced measures mandating adult authorization for teenagers to open social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from some figures to copy Australia's example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Outlook

Beyond these regions, further countries are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.

However, international agencies take a more cautious tone. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The organization notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.

Even as this global debate continues, the actions of Australia and others show that states internationally are increasingly content to wait for the industry to self-regulate.