🔗 Share this article

The nation's decisive policy to restrict social media access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.

The European Movement

Across Europe, a rising number of countries are moving toward parallel restrictions.

• The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our children's innocence". The policy may be formalized soon.
• Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an similar ban could be "an tools on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to enact a bill lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in the Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a advisory motion calling for a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is provided. Although it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the move does not create enforceable legislation.

"A clear age barrier is a good starting point," said the European lawmaker behind the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach

In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "based on strong evidence".

Last year, interest built behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the topic.

Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. An organization set up by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after being exposed to dangerous social media material suggests that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people become eligible.

"This ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to create products and services that are secure and age appropriate for minors," said a influential online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Decentralized Landscape

Stateside, action is mostly occurring at the local government level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a rule capping under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with any further use requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed measures mandating parental consent for minors to open social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from various politicians to follow Australia's lead, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

International Perspectives

Apart from these regions, further states are also considering moves.

• The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, global agencies strike a more measured position. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The body points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.

While this worldwide discussion unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that states internationally are no longer willing to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.