🔗 Share this article

Australia's controversial move to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are observing closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

The European Momentum

Across Europe, a growing group of countries are exploring similar bans.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our children's innocence". The policy is expected to be passed in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "an measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to approve a bill increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a related move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has advised families to block their youngsters from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age barrier is a good first step," stated a leading parliamentarian supporting the initiative.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance

Across Britain, the government has kept open a future ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "based on robust research".

Previously, interest grew behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the issue.

Charities have raised warnings. A prominent charity founded by the family of a girl who was lost after being exposed to disturbing social media material suggests that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to create tools that are safe and fit for young users," commented a prominent child protection advocate.

The United States: A Decentralized Picture

Across America, action is primarily happening at the local government level against a backdrop of national stalemate.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a bill banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has approved a regulation limiting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with any further use requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced laws requiring guardian approval for minors to open social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from some individuals to mimic Australia's example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Global Outlook

Outside of Europe and the US, other states are also taking action.

• The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.

But, global organizations adopt a more nuanced tone. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "could backfire". The body notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

As this worldwide discussion evolves, the actions of this nation and its followers demonstrate that governments around the world are no longer prepared to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.