The Australian controversial policy to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are observing closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a rising chorus of states are exploring parallel restrictions.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". The policy is expected to be formalized next year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "one of the tools on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to enact a law increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised guardians to block their children from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is granted. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A clear age restriction is a useful starting point," said a leading European lawmaker driving the resolution.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
In the UK, the government has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in conclusive data".
Last year, momentum built behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the administration vowed to investigate the issue.
Charities have expressed warnings. One foundation founded by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after viewing disturbing platform posts suggests that a simple age ban may not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for young users," said a influential peer.
The US: A State-by-State Landscape
In the United States, legislation is largely occurring at the local government level amid country-wide inaction.
- Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has passed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a regulation restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further use requiring parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced laws demanding guardian approval for minors to create social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from various figures to follow the Australian example, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.
International Views
Apart from Europe and the US, further countries are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, world bodies take a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "could backfire". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.
Even as this international debate evolves, the policies of the Australian government and others show that policymakers around the world are increasingly content to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.
