The nation's controversial move to ban social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are observing closely to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.
European Movement
Across Europe, a growing chorus of nations are moving toward parallel measures.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that phones and apps are "stealing our kids' youth". A law is expected to be passed soon.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban remains "one of the tools on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to pass a proposal raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a related move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Dutch government has urged guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a symbolic motion demanding a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these services, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.
"An effective age limit is a good foundation," said one parliamentarian driving the initiative.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance
Across Britain, the government has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in robust research".
Previously, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the topic.
Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. An organization founded by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to disturbing social media material contends that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when users reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to create tools that are appropriate and fit for children," said a leading peer.
The United States: A State-by-State Approach
Stateside, regulation is primarily happening at the local level amid federal inaction.
- The state of Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has passed a law barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has approved a regulation limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional use requiring adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced measures mandating adult authorization for minors to set up social media accounts.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from certain individuals to follow the Australian example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.
International Views
Outside of Europe and the US, other states are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
However, world agencies take a more nuanced position. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.
Even as this global conversation evolves, the actions of Australia and its followers indicate that governments around the world are increasingly content to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.
