🔗 Share this article

The nation's bold move to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are watching with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

European Movement

Throughout Europe, a growing group of states are considering similar restrictions.

• The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that phones and networks are "taking away our youngsters' youth". The policy could be passed soon.
• Norway is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to pass a law increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a related action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Netherlands has urged families to prevent their children from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is given. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the move does not enact binding law.

"A clear age barrier is a solid starting point," commented the MEP driving the resolution.

The UK: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "based on strong data".

Earlier, support grew behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the government pledged to further research the matter.

Charities have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the family of a girl who took her own life after encountering harmful platform posts suggests that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to design tools that are secure and age appropriate for young users," said a leading child protection advocate.

The US: A Decentralized Picture

Stateside, action is primarily unfolding at the local government level amid federal stalemate.

• Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a bill prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has approved a rule restricting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with additional time needing parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws requiring guardian approval for teenagers to create social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from certain figures to mimic this lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Global Views

Outside of the West, additional nations are similarly taking action.

• The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

However, world organizations strike a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in user protection.

While this global conversation continues, the policies of this nation and others demonstrate that policymakers around the world are increasingly willing to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.