The nation's bold move to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are watching closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.
European Trend
Across Europe, a increasing number of countries are exploring similar bans.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our children's childhood". The policy could be enacted next year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the tools in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the president has called on the legislature to approve a law increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Dutch government has urged families to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is granted. Even though it warns of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the move does not create binding law.
"A clear age restriction is a solid starting point," stated a leading MEP behind the initiative.
The UK: A Watchful Stance
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "based on strong data".
Last year, interest built behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the administration committed to further research the matter.
Advocacy groups have raised warnings. One foundation established by the family of a girl who died after being exposed to dangerous platform posts contends that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people become eligible.
"This ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are secure and fit for minors," stated a leading peer.
The US: A Fragmented Landscape
Stateside, action is mostly occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a measure prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- The state of Virginia has approved a regulation restricting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra access requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted laws mandating parental consent for teenagers to create social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from certain politicians to copy the Australian path, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Beyond these regions, additional nations are also taking action.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, international agencies adopt a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The body notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
While this global conversation evolves, the policies of this nation and its followers show that governments around the world are increasingly willing to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.
