🔗 Share this article

The nation's decisive move to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and families are watching with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.

European Trend

In Europe, a growing group of countries are considering comparable restrictions.

• The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that phones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' youth". The policy could be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "power of the AI".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban remains "one of the tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged parliament to pass a law increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic motion calling for a ban for under-16s without parental consent is granted. While it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"A strong age restriction is a good first step," commented the parliamentarian driving the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in conclusive data".

Previously, momentum gathered behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the administration committed to conduct more studies the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. An organization set up by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after viewing disturbing social media material suggests that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people become eligible.

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

The US: A Fragmented Landscape

In the United States, legislation is mostly unfolding at the state government level due to federal stalemate.

• The state of Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has passed a bill banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with additional use dependent on a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted laws demanding adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from some politicians to copy Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Views

Beyond the West, additional nations are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, global bodies take a more measured stance. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The organization notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in user protection.

While this worldwide debate evolves, the steps of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers globally are less and less prepared to delay for the industry to self-regulate.