Australia's controversial policy to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and families are watching intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Trend
In Europe, a increasing number of states are considering similar measures.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our children's childhood". A law is expected to be passed soon.
- Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban is "an options under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to pass a law lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The government in the Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for minors unless parental consent is granted. Although it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the move does not create mandatory rules.
"A clear age restriction is a good first step," said a leading MEP supporting the initiative.
The UK: A Cautious Approach
Across Britain, the government has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "supported by robust data".
Previously, interest built behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the administration pledged to further research the issue.
Charities have expressed warnings. An organization founded by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after viewing dangerous social media material contends that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens reach the legal age.
"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are safe and fit for young users," said a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A Decentralized Approach
Stateside, legislation is largely unfolding at the local level amid federal gridlock.
- The state of Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a law barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has passed a rule limiting under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with extra use needing adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws mandating parental consent for minors to open social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from some figures to mimic this path, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.
Global Outlook
Apart from Europe and the US, other countries are likewise exploring options.
- The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, international agencies adopt a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The body notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.
While this international discussion evolves, the policies of Australia and several other countries indicate that policymakers internationally are no longer prepared to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.
