The nation's bold action to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and families are watching closely to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.
The European Movement
In Europe, a growing chorus of countries are exploring similar measures.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that phones and networks are "robbing our children's innocence". A law is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the options in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to enact a proposal lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a related action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is given. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the step does not create binding law.
"A strong age barrier is a useful first step," said a leading MEP supporting the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "supported by strong evidence".
Previously, interest gathered behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. However, the government committed to conduct more studies the topic.
Charities have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a young person who died after encountering dangerous online content argues that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users become eligible.
"This ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to design tools that are safe and fit for young users," said a leading child protection advocate.
America: A Fragmented Picture
Stateside, regulation is largely happening at the state government level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.
- Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a regulation limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further use needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures requiring guardian approval for minors to create social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from certain figures to copy the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Global Views
Beyond Europe and the US, further nations are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, world organizations strike a more cautious position. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might backfire". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in safety.
While this international discussion unfolds, the steps of this nation and others show that governments internationally are no longer content to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.
