🔗 Share this article

The nation's controversial policy to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a growing chorus of states are exploring similar measures.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our children's innocence". The policy is expected to be passed soon.
• The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban is "one of the options in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to approve a bill increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Netherlands has advised parents to block their youngsters from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a advisory resolution calling for a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.

"A strong age restriction is a useful first step," said a leading parliamentarian behind the initiative.

The UK: A Cautious Eye

In the UK, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "based on robust data".

Earlier, support grew behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. However, the administration pledged to investigate the topic.

Charities have expressed warnings. One foundation set up by the family of a teenager who died after viewing disturbing social media material suggests that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens turn 16.

"This ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are safe and fit for children," said a prominent online safety campaigner.

America: A State-by-State Picture

Across America, action is largely unfolding at the state government level against a backdrop of national inaction.

• Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation capping minors to one hour of social media access per day, with extra access dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills requiring adult authorization for under-16s to open social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from various politicians to copy this example, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Views

Apart from these regions, other states are also considering moves.

• The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.

However, international agencies strike a more cautious position. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in user protection.

As this international debate continues, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that states globally are increasingly willing to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.