Australia's decisive policy to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are observing closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.
The European Momentum
Across Europe, a growing group of countries are moving toward parallel measures.
- The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' youth". Legislation could be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "a potential tools on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to enact a proposal lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in the Netherlands has advised parents to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic motion supporting a ban for minors except if guardian approval is provided. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the move does not establish binding law.
"A strong age barrier is a solid foundation," stated a leading parliamentarian driving the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye
Across Britain, the government has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "based on conclusive evidence".
Last year, momentum grew behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. However, the government committed to further research the issue.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. One foundation established by the loved ones of a teenager who died after viewing harmful social media material suggests that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for young users," said a influential child protection advocate.
America: A Fragmented Landscape
In the United States, action is primarily unfolding at the regional government level due to federal gridlock.
- The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has signed a measure banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a rule capping minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional use needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures mandating parental consent for minors to open social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from some politicians to copy this example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
International Outlook
Outside of the West, additional countries are likewise exploring options.
- The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, global organizations adopt a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might backfire". The agency points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve user protection.
Even as this worldwide conversation continues, the policies of Australia and others demonstrate that policymakers around the world are less and less content to delay for the industry to self-regulate.
