🔗 Share this article

The Australian decisive action to restrict social media access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are observing closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

The European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a increasing number of countries are considering similar restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that phones and networks are "stealing our kids' youth". Legislation is expected to be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the AI".
• The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Officials have suggested that an similar ban remains "an tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to pass a law increasing the legal 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 similar step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Netherlands has advised parents to block their kids from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory motion supporting a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it highlights of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the move does not create enforceable legislation.

"A strong age limit is a solid starting point," stated one parliamentarian behind the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance

For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in robust data".

Last year, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the government committed to conduct more studies the topic.

Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. One foundation established by the family of a girl who took her own life after encountering dangerous social media material suggests that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people become eligible.

"This ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are secure and fit for minors," stated a influential child protection advocate.

The US: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, action is mostly happening at the local level due to country-wide gridlock.

• Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has passed a bill banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• The state of Virginia has approved a rule restricting minors to one hour of social media access per day, with any further time requiring parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills mandating guardian approval for minors to open social media profiles.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from some politicians to follow Australia's path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Perspectives

Apart from Europe and the US, additional nations are also exploring options.

• The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

But, international agencies strike a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.

Even as this international discussion evolves, the steps of the Australian government and its followers indicate that states globally are increasingly willing to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.