🔗 Share this article

The nation's controversial policy to ban social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and families are watching closely to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of states are considering similar bans.

• The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that phones and networks are "robbing our kids' childhood". Legislation is expected to be enacted soon.
• Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential measures under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the president has urged parliament to enact a proposal lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a similar step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The administration in the Netherlands has urged families to prevent their children from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these services, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.

"A clear age restriction is a solid first step," said the European lawmaker driving the resolution.

The UK: A Cautious Eye

Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "supported by conclusive research".

Last year, support grew behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the administration committed to conduct more studies the issue.

Charities have raised warnings. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after viewing disturbing online content contends that a strict age ban may not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens reach the legal age.

"This ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for young users," said a prominent peer.

The United States: A State-by-State Picture

Stateside, regulation is primarily happening at the local government level due to country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a law prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a law restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra access requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced measures mandating adult authorization for minors to create social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from some individuals to follow the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Outlook

Apart from these regions, other states are similarly taking action.

• The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, international bodies strike a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The agency notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve user protection.

While this global discussion continues, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that states around the world are no longer prepared to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.