🔗 Share this article

The Australian controversial move to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and families are observing intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.

European Movement

Across Europe, a rising number of states are considering similar bans.

• The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that phones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". A law is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "an measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to enact a law increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a similar move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The administration in the Netherlands has urged parents to block their kids from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a symbolic statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is provided. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the move does not enact mandatory rules.

"An effective age restriction is a solid first step," said the parliamentarian behind the resolution.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye

In the UK, the government has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any action must be "grounded in robust evidence".

Earlier, momentum built behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the government committed to conduct more studies the topic.

Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. An organization set up by the family of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous social media material argues that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when teens reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for minors," stated a prominent peer.

America: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, action is primarily occurring at the regional government level due to national stalemate.

• Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has passed a law barring under-14s from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a law restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further access requiring parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws mandating adult authorization for teenagers to create social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various figures to mimic this lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

International Outlook

Apart from these regions, further nations are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, global bodies take a more cautious stance. Unicef has warned that social media bans carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The body highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.

As this international debate continues, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries show that governments around the world are increasingly content to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.