🔗 Share this article

The nation's decisive policy to ban social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are watching intently to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.

European Momentum

In Europe, a increasing chorus of states are considering comparable bans.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our youngsters' youth". Legislation is expected to be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "an measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has urged parliament to approve a bill increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a related move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Dutch government has recommended parents to prevent their kids from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding motion demanding a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a solid starting point," said a leading MEP supporting the resolution.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance

Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "based on strong evidence".

Previously, interest grew behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government committed to conduct more studies the topic.

Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after encountering harmful online content argues that a strict age ban might not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when young people turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are safe and fit for young users," said a influential online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, action is largely happening at the local level amid federal stalemate.

• Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has signed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a rule capping minors to one hour of social media time per day, with extra access requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws requiring parental consent for minors to set up social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and calls from various politicians to copy Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Views

Beyond the West, additional states are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

However, international bodies strike a more measured position. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve safety.

While this global conversation continues, the steps of the Australian government and others indicate that policymakers internationally are increasingly willing to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.