🔗 Share this article

The nation's controversial policy to ban social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.

The European Trend

Across Europe, a increasing number of states are moving toward parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our children's innocence". Legislation is expected to be formalized next year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an similar ban remains "a potential tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to pass a proposal increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Netherlands has recommended parents to block their youngsters from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic motion supporting a ban for minors without guardian approval is provided. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A clear age limit is a useful foundation," stated the European lawmaker behind the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any action must be "grounded in strong research".

Previously, interest gathered behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the issue.

Advocacy groups have raised warnings. One foundation set up by the family of a teenager who died after viewing disturbing social media material contends that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for children," said a prominent online safety campaigner.

The US: A State-by-State Landscape

In the United States, action is largely unfolding at the state level amid federal inaction.

• Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has passed a bill barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a rule limiting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional time dependent on adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced laws requiring parental consent for teenagers to open social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from various figures to follow Australia's path, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Outlook

Beyond Europe and the US, other nations are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, global organizations strike a more cautious position. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could backfire". The body notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

As this global conversation continues, the policies of Australia and several other countries show that states internationally are no longer prepared to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.