Will Other Nations Pursue Australia's Lead in Restricting Social Media for Under-16s?

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

The European Movement

In Europe, a rising chorus of nations are moving toward similar restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that phones and platforms are "taking away our children's childhood". Legislation could be formalized soon.
• Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban is "an measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to approve a law raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a related action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in the Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a advisory motion calling for a ban for minors unless guardian approval is provided. Although it cautions of the "addictive" design of these services, the step does not enact mandatory rules.

"A clear age restriction is a good foundation," stated the parliamentarian supporting the measure.

The UK: A Watchful Approach

In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in strong research".

Last year, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the topic.

Charities have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous platform posts argues that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens turn 16.

"This ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are safe and age appropriate for children," said a prominent online safety campaigner.

America: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, action is primarily unfolding at the local level due to federal stalemate.

• Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a law banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further time requiring adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures mandating guardian approval for minors to open social media profiles.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from various politicians to follow Australia's example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Views

Beyond these regions, additional states are also considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, global organizations adopt a more cautious position. Unicef has warned that social media bans carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.

While this global debate continues, the policies of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that governments around the world are no longer content to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.