🔗 Share this article

The nation's controversial action to ban social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.

The European Movement

Throughout Europe, a growing number of states are exploring parallel measures.

• The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that phones and networks are "taking away our youngsters' youth". The policy may be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "an options in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to pass a law raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in the Netherlands has recommended families to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory motion calling for a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is given. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a useful foundation," stated a leading European lawmaker supporting the measure.

The UK: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in robust research".

Last year, momentum gathered behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the administration committed to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. An organization founded by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after encountering dangerous online content contends that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for children," said a influential child protection advocate.

The United States: A Fragmented Landscape

In the United States, legislation is primarily happening at the local government level due to federal stalemate.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law limiting minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further time dependent on a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed laws demanding parental consent for teenagers to create social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some individuals to copy the Australian path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Outlook

Apart from the West, further countries are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, global agencies adopt a more measured stance. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could backfire". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.

As this international discussion evolves, the actions of Australia and its followers show that states globally are increasingly willing to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.