🔗 Share this article

Australia's controversial policy to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and families are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Movement

Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of nations are moving toward similar restrictions.

• The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that phones and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' youth". A law may be formalized next year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an similar ban remains "a potential tools on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the president has asked parliament to approve a bill raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a similar action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The administration in the Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory motion calling for a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the step does not establish binding law.

"A strong age limit is a good starting point," said a leading MEP behind the measure.

Britain: A Watchful Approach

In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "based on conclusive research".

Last year, momentum built behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. However, the administration pledged to further research the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. A prominent charity established by the family of a young person who died after encountering dangerous online content suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users reach the legal age.

"This ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to build products and services that are secure and suitable for minors," stated a influential online safety campaigner.

America: A State-by-State Picture

Stateside, action is mostly unfolding at the regional government level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has signed a bill barring under-14s from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further use requiring adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted laws mandating adult authorization for minors to set up social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from some politicians to mimic this path, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Global Outlook

Outside of these regions, other states are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.

However, world agencies strike a more cautious position. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could backfire". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

While this global conversation evolves, the actions of Australia and its followers demonstrate that governments around the world are increasingly content to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.