🔗 Share this article

The Australian bold move to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Movement

Throughout Europe, a rising group of nations are moving toward similar bans.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our kids' innocence". A law could be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "power of the AI".
• The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban is "an measures on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to enact a proposal raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Dutch government has advised families to restrict their children from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the step does not enact mandatory rules.

"A clear age limit is a good foundation," stated a leading European lawmaker behind the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "based on strong research".

Last year, interest built behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the government committed to further research the issue.

Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. An organization set up by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after encountering disturbing online content argues that a simple age ban might not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to design tools that are secure and suitable for young users," commented a leading child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Approach

Stateside, action is primarily occurring at the regional government level due to national stalemate.

• The state of Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has passed a bill barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has passed a law capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further time dependent on parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced measures mandating parental consent for minors to create social media profiles.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from some individuals to copy this lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Perspectives

Beyond these regions, other nations are likewise taking action.

• The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

But, international bodies adopt a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.

Even as this worldwide conversation unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and others show that governments globally are no longer willing to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.