🔗 Share this article

The nation's decisive move to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Momentum

Throughout Europe, a increasing number of countries are considering similar bans.

• The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that phones and networks are "taking away our children's youth". A law may be formalized soon.
• Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to pass a law raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The administration in the Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it warns of the "addictive" design of these services, the resolution does not enact binding law.

"A strong age limit is a useful starting point," stated one MEP behind the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye

Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any action must be "supported by conclusive research".

Last year, momentum built behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to further research the issue.

Campaign organizations have raised warnings. One foundation founded by the relatives of a girl who was lost after being exposed to disturbing platform posts suggests that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when young people reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to create tools that are safe and age appropriate for young users," commented a influential online safety campaigner.

America: A Fragmented Approach

Across America, action is mostly unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a bill banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has approved a regulation capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra use dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills demanding guardian approval for teenagers to open social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain individuals to copy the Australian path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Global Perspectives

Beyond these regions, additional states are also considering moves.

• The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, global organizations take a more measured tone. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "might backfire". The body highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve safety.

As this global discussion evolves, the steps of Australia and others indicate that policymakers internationally are less and less prepared to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.