The Australian decisive policy to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and families are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.
European Movement
Across Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are considering parallel bans.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that phones and platforms are "stealing our children's youth". Legislation may be passed next year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "a potential measures in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the president has asked parliament to enact a bill raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a related move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Dutch government has urged families to restrict their children from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the step does not establish mandatory rules.
"A clear age restriction is a solid first step," stated a leading European lawmaker driving the resolution.
The UK: A Watchful Stance
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "supported by strong research".
Last year, momentum built behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the government vowed to conduct more studies the matter.
Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after encountering harmful platform posts argues that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," said a leading child protection advocate.
America: A Fragmented Approach
In the United States, legislation is mostly happening at the regional level amid federal gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has signed a bill barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has passed a law restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further time dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures mandating parental consent for teenagers to open social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and calls from certain individuals to copy Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Outlook
Apart from these regions, other nations are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, world agencies strike a more nuanced stance. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could backfire". The organization notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.
Even as this international debate continues, the actions of Australia and others show that policymakers globally are increasingly willing to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.
