🔗 Share this article

The nation's controversial move to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are observing closely to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.

Across Europe Momentum

Across Europe, a growing chorus of countries are considering comparable restrictions.

• The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our children's innocence". A law may be formalized in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential measures under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the president has urged lawmakers to enact a bill lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in The Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their kids from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these services, the move does not create mandatory rules.

"A strong age barrier is a useful starting point," stated one European lawmaker behind the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any action must be "grounded in strong data".

Last year, momentum built behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration committed to further research the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised warnings. An organization founded by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after viewing disturbing social media material suggests that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when young people become eligible.

"This ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to build products and services that are safe and fit for children," stated a influential peer.

The US: A Decentralized Picture

Across America, regulation is mostly occurring at the regional level amid national inaction.

• Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a measure banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a regulation limiting teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with additional access requiring parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures requiring parental consent for under-16s to set up social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from certain politicians to copy Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

International Perspectives

Beyond these regions, other nations are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international bodies strike a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "could backfire". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in safety.

Even as this global discussion continues, the steps of Australia and its followers show that governments globally are no longer content to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.