🔗 Share this article

The nation's decisive action to ban social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a growing group of nations are moving toward parallel restrictions.

• The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our kids' innocence". Legislation may be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential measures in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to pass a bill raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding motion calling for a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it warns of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the move does not create enforceable legislation.

"A clear age barrier is a useful starting point," said a leading parliamentarian behind the initiative.

The UK: A Watchful Approach

Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but insisting any action must be "supported by robust data".

Previously, support gathered behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the administration vowed to further research the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. One foundation established by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after encountering harmful platform posts argues that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are safe and age appropriate for young users," stated a prominent peer.

America: A Decentralized Landscape

Across America, legislation is primarily unfolding at the regional government level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.

• The state of Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a bill banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a law capping under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with any further access requiring parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced measures mandating parental consent for under-16s to open social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from various politicians to mimic Australia's path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.

International Outlook

Outside of these regions, further states are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, global agencies take a more measured stance. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might backfire". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.

While this global discussion unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that states globally are no longer willing to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.