🔗 Share this article

The nation's decisive move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are watching closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a increasing group of countries are moving toward similar restrictions.

• The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that phones and platforms are "robbing our children's youth". The policy may be passed next year.
• Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an similar ban remains "a potential measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has urged parliament to approve a law raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a non-binding motion supporting a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not create binding law.

"An effective age restriction is a useful foundation," stated one MEP supporting the initiative.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach

Across Britain, the administration has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "supported by conclusive research".

Earlier, support built behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the government committed to conduct more studies the topic.

Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing social media material suggests that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to build tools that are safe and fit for young users," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Fragmented Landscape

In the United States, regulation is largely happening at the state level against a backdrop of national stalemate.

• Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a bill banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has approved a rule limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further time dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted laws requiring adult authorization for minors to set up social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from various politicians to copy Australia's example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.

International Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, additional states are also considering moves.

• The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, world agencies strike a more measured stance. Unicef has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "might backfire". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.

Even as this international discussion evolves, the policies of this nation and several other countries show that states globally are less and less content to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.