🔗 Share this article

Australia's bold policy to ban social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are watching closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

The European Trend

In Europe, a rising chorus of states are moving toward comparable bans.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that phones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' youth". Legislation is expected to be passed next year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an similar ban remains "a potential measures under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the president has asked the legislature to approve a proposal lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has advised families to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a advisory resolution demanding a ban for under-16s without parental consent is granted. Although it cautions of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the step does not create enforceable legislation.

"An effective age limit is a useful starting point," said a leading MEP behind the measure.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach

For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a possible ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "based on conclusive data".

Last year, support grew behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the administration committed to conduct more studies the matter.

Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. One foundation established by the family of a girl who was lost after being exposed to harmful social media material argues that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when users become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to build tools that are safe and age appropriate for children," said a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A Decentralized Landscape

Across America, regulation is primarily happening at the state government level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.

• The state of Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a rule restricting minors to one hour of social media access per day, with additional use dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills requiring parental consent for under-16s to set up social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from certain figures to copy the Australian example, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.

International Outlook

Outside of these regions, other countries are similarly exploring options.

• The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, global agencies strike a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The body notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in safety.

As this worldwide conversation evolves, the policies of this nation and others indicate that policymakers around the world are no longer content to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.