🔗 Share this article

The nation's bold policy to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and families are watching intently to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Momentum

Throughout Europe, a rising number of states are considering comparable restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that phones and platforms are "stealing our children's youth". Legislation is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "influence of the AI".
• The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the measures on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the president has called on lawmakers to approve a law raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The government in The Dutch government has recommended families to block their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic statement supporting a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is given. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A clear age limit is a solid first step," stated the parliamentarian driving the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance

Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Last year, momentum built behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the government pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. One foundation set up by the family of a girl who was lost after being exposed to disturbing platform posts argues that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people turn 16.

"This ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to create products and services that are secure and fit for minors," said a leading online safety campaigner.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

Stateside, legislation is largely unfolding at the local government level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a law prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a rule restricting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with extra time requiring parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed bills demanding adult authorization for teenagers to create social media profiles.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from some politicians to copy the Australian example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Global Outlook

Outside of the West, additional countries are similarly taking action.

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

But, international organizations take a more cautious position. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve user protection.

As this global discussion evolves, the actions of Australia and its followers demonstrate that governments around the world are no longer content to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.