The nation's bold move to ban social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are watching intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Trend
Across Europe, a rising chorus of countries are considering similar bans.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that phones and platforms are "robbing our kids' youth". The policy is expected to be passed next year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban remains "an tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to pass a bill raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The government in The Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding motion calling for a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the move does not create enforceable legislation.
"An effective age barrier is a good first step," stated the MEP behind the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach
For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any action must be "grounded in conclusive research".
Last year, interest grew behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the administration vowed to further research the topic.
Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to dangerous online content argues that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.
"This ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to create products and services that are safe and age appropriate for children," said a prominent peer.
America: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, action is primarily happening at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.
- Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a measure banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has passed a regulation limiting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with additional time requiring parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills mandating adult authorization for minors to open social media accounts.
Despite widespread concern and calls from certain figures to copy this example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Perspectives
Beyond the West, further states are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, international organizations strike a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.
While this international conversation unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries show that governments globally are no longer willing to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.
