The nation's bold move to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are monitoring intently to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.
The European Momentum
In Europe, a increasing group of nations are considering comparable bans.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our kids' youth". The policy is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media users. Officials have suggested that an similar ban is "a potential tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to pass a proposal increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Dutch government has urged parents to block their kids from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding statement supporting a ban for minors unless parental consent is given. Even though it warns of the "addictive" nature of these services, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.
"An effective age limit is a useful starting point," commented the MEP behind the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance
In the UK, the government has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "based on strong research".
Last year, interest built behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the topic.
Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after viewing dangerous social media material contends that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when young people reach the legal age.
"This ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to create products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
In the United States, action is primarily happening at the state level amid national stalemate.
- Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a law prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has approved a regulation limiting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with any further use requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws demanding guardian approval for under-16s to open social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from certain politicians to follow the Australian example, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Perspectives
Beyond these regions, additional countries are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, international organizations take a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could backfire". The body notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this global conversation evolves, the steps of Australia and others demonstrate that governments internationally are no longer prepared to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.
