🔗 Share this article

Australia's controversial policy to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and families are watching with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

Across Europe Movement

Across Europe, a rising group of countries are moving toward parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our kids' childhood". The policy could be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban is "an options on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to pass a proposal raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Dutch government has urged parents to block their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for under-16s without parental consent is provided. Although it warns of the "addictive" design of these services, the move does not create mandatory rules.

"A strong age restriction is a solid starting point," stated one parliamentarian behind the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "grounded in robust research".

Previously, support gathered behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration pledged to investigate the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after encountering dangerous social media material contends that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when young people reach the legal age.

"This ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for minors," commented a leading peer.

The United States: A State-by-State Approach

Stateside, regulation is mostly occurring at the local level amid national stalemate.

• Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with additional use needing adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted bills demanding guardian approval for under-16s to create social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from various politicians to follow the Australian lead, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

International Views

Outside of these regions, additional nations are likewise exploring options.

• The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

But, international agencies adopt a more nuanced position. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The body notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.

While this worldwide conversation evolves, the actions of Australia and others indicate that states around the world are less and less willing to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.