The nation's bold move to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Movement
Across Europe, a rising chorus of states are considering parallel measures.
- The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that phones and networks are "stealing our children's childhood". The policy could be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential options under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged the legislature to pass a law lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has urged parents to block their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic motion demanding a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is given. Although it cautions of the "addictive" design of these services, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a good foundation," said a leading European lawmaker behind the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye
Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".
Previously, momentum grew behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the government committed to further research the topic.
Charities have voiced concerns. An organization set up by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after encountering harmful platform posts contends that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are secure and fit for children," stated a prominent peer.
America: A State-by-State Approach
Stateside, regulation is largely happening at the state level due to federal inaction.
- Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a bill banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a rule capping under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with additional access needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed measures requiring adult authorization for under-16s to create social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain individuals to copy the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Global Views
Apart from the West, other nations are likewise considering moves.
- The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, global organizations adopt a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could backfire". The body points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.
While this international discussion continues, the actions of this nation and several other countries show that governments around the world are increasingly willing to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
