The Australian controversial policy to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Trend
In Europe, a rising number of nations are exploring parallel measures.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our children's innocence". The policy is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the measures on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the president has asked the legislature to enact a law lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended parents to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic statement demanding a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is provided. Although it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the step does not establish binding law.
"A strong age limit is a good foundation," said a leading MEP driving the initiative.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye
Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".
Earlier, support grew behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the administration committed to conduct more studies the matter.
Charities have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous platform posts argues that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to build products and services that are secure and suitable for children," said a prominent peer.
The US: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, regulation is primarily unfolding at the local level due to national inaction.
- Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has passed a law barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a rule capping under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with any further time dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws mandating adult authorization for under-16s to open social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from certain figures to copy this path, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Views
Beyond Europe and the US, additional states are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.
However, global agencies take a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.
While this international discussion continues, the steps of the Australian government and its followers show that policymakers globally are no longer willing to delay for platforms to self-regulate.
