🔗 Share this article

Australia's bold move to ban social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and families are observing intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Movement

In Europe, a rising group of states are considering comparable measures.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that smartphones and apps are "stealing our kids' childhood". A law could be enacted next year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the options in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to enact a proposal increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in the Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their kids from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding motion calling for a ban for minors except if parental consent is given. Although it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these services, the move does not enact mandatory rules.

"An effective age limit is a solid starting point," commented a leading European lawmaker driving the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance

Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "supported by robust data".

Previously, support built behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the government vowed to conduct more studies the topic.

Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the family of a young person who took her own life after encountering disturbing platform posts suggests that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to design tools that are secure and suitable for minors," stated a prominent peer.

The United States: A Fragmented Landscape

In the United States, legislation is mostly happening at the local level amid national gridlock.

• Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has signed a law barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a rule restricting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further access needing adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted measures requiring adult authorization for under-16s to open social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from certain figures to follow this example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Perspectives

Beyond these regions, other nations are similarly considering moves.

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

Yet, international organizations strike a more measured position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.

While this international discussion unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries show that states around the world are increasingly willing to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.