The nation's controversial action to ban social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are observing closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Trend
Throughout Europe, a increasing number of nations are considering similar measures.
- The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that phones and platforms are "robbing our children's childhood". Legislation could be formalized soon.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban remains "a potential measures under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has urged lawmakers to enact a bill lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Netherlands has urged families to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is given. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.
"An effective age restriction is a good foundation," said the parliamentarian driving the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Approach
Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "based on conclusive evidence".
Last year, momentum built behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the administration pledged to investigate the issue.
Advocacy groups have raised concerns. A prominent charity established by the family of a young person who took her own life after encountering dangerous platform posts contends that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users turn 16.
"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to create products and services that are secure and fit for young users," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Decentralized Picture
In the United States, action is mostly occurring at the regional government level against a backdrop of federal inaction.
- Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has signed a law banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a law limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further time needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted laws mandating adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and calls from certain politicians to mimic this example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
International Views
Beyond the West, additional countries are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, international bodies take a more cautious tone. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve safety.
As this global conversation unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and others demonstrate that states around the world are no longer content to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.
