The Australian bold policy to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are watching closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a rising number of countries are exploring parallel restrictions.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that phones and platforms are "taking away our children's youth". The policy could be formalized next year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "an tools in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the president has urged the legislature to enact a law raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a related step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to restrict their kids from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic motion calling for a ban for minors except if parental consent is given. While it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the move does not establish mandatory rules.
"A strong age barrier is a useful first step," said a leading MEP supporting the initiative.
The UK: A Cautious Approach
Across Britain, the government has remained open to a future ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "supported by robust evidence".
Last year, interest gathered behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to investigate the issue.
Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. An organization founded by the loved ones of a girl who died after viewing disturbing platform posts argues that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"This ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are secure and suitable for minors," said a prominent peer.
America: A State-by-State Landscape
In the United States, regulation is largely happening at the local level amid country-wide stalemate.
- Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a rule capping under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with extra access dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed bills requiring guardian approval for minors to create social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain figures to mimic this path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Views
Apart from these regions, further states are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, world organizations take a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
As this worldwide discussion continues, the steps of Australia and several other countries show that governments internationally are increasingly prepared to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.