🔗 Share this article

The nation's bold action to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.

The European Movement

Across Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are moving toward similar measures.

• The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that phones and apps are "stealing our children's childhood". The policy is expected to be enacted next year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "power of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an similar ban remains "a potential measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged parliament to approve a proposal increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has urged families to block their children from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding motion calling for a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the step does not establish mandatory rules.

"A strong age barrier is a solid first step," said the European lawmaker driving the measure.

The UK: A Cautious Approach

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in strong data".

Previously, support gathered behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration vowed to further research the matter.

Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. An organization set up by the family of a girl who died after being exposed to disturbing platform posts contends that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to create products and services that are secure and fit for children," said a leading online safety campaigner.

The US: A State-by-State Landscape

In the United States, legislation is mostly unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has signed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation capping minors to one hour of social media use per day, with additional use needing adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures demanding guardian approval for minors to set up social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some figures to follow this lead, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

International Outlook

Outside of Europe and the US, other nations are also considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, world organizations adopt a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve user protection.

Even as this worldwide conversation evolves, the policies of the Australian government and its followers show that governments around the world are no longer prepared to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.