🔗 Share this article

The Australian controversial policy to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are watching with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Trend

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

• The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that smartphones and networks are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". A law is expected to be passed in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "an measures under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has asked the legislature to enact a law lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The government in the Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic statement demanding a ban for minors unless parental consent is granted. While it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a useful foundation," stated the MEP supporting the resolution.

The UK: A Cautious Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "based on robust evidence".

Last year, interest grew behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. However, the government vowed to conduct more studies the topic.

Charities have voiced warnings. An organization set up by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after viewing disturbing online content suggests that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to design tools that are secure and suitable for minors," commented a leading child protection advocate.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

Across America, regulation is mostly occurring at the state level amid national inaction.

• Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has signed a law prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a rule restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional access requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws mandating guardian approval for minors to create social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and calls from various individuals to mimic the Australian lead, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Views

Beyond these regions, additional countries are also exploring options.

• The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.

But, international organizations take a more cautious position. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

Even as this global conversation evolves, the actions of this nation and its followers indicate that states internationally are less and less willing to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.