The nation's decisive policy to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
Across Europe, a growing group of countries are considering parallel measures.
- The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". The policy could be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media users. Officials have suggested that an similar ban could be "one of the tools on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to approve a proposal raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The government in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a advisory resolution supporting a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the step does not establish mandatory rules.
"A strong age barrier is a useful first step," said the parliamentarian behind the resolution.
The UK: A Watchful Stance
Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "supported by robust data".
Previously, support gathered behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to investigate the issue.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after encountering disturbing platform posts suggests that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to design products and services that are appropriate and suitable for minors," said a leading online safety campaigner.
The United States: A State-by-State Approach
Across America, legislation is primarily unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.
- Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has signed a measure barring under-14s from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a law limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further use needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills mandating adult authorization for minors to open social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from some figures to follow this example, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
International Views
Beyond Europe and the US, further countries are also taking action.
- The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, world organizations adopt a more measured tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might backfire". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this global discussion evolves, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that governments internationally are increasingly willing to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.
