Australia's controversial policy to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are watching closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.
European Movement
Across Europe, a rising number of countries are exploring similar measures.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that smartphones and apps are "robbing our kids' childhood". Legislation may be enacted next year.
- Norway is set to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to approve a bill raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Dutch government has urged parents to prevent their children from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a advisory statement calling for a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the step does not create enforceable legislation.
"A clear age barrier is a useful starting point," said the parliamentarian supporting the initiative.
Britain: A Watchful Approach
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by robust evidence".
Earlier, support built behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the matter.
Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. An organization founded by the family of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing platform posts argues that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," said a prominent peer.
America: A Fragmented Approach
In the United States, regulation is primarily unfolding at the state level due to national gridlock.
- Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation capping teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with any further access requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills requiring guardian approval for teenagers to create social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from various individuals to copy the Australian example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Worldwide Perspectives
Outside of these regions, other countries are likewise considering moves.
- The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, international agencies take a more measured position. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might backfire". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.
As this worldwide discussion evolves, the policies of the Australian government and others demonstrate that policymakers around the world are no longer prepared to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.
