🔗 Share this article

The nation's bold action to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are monitoring closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Movement

Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of countries are considering parallel bans.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that phones and networks are "stealing our kids' innocence". Legislation is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "a potential options in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to enact a proposal raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic motion calling for a ban for minors unless guardian approval is given. While it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the step does not establish mandatory rules.

"A clear age limit is a good foundation," stated one parliamentarian supporting the measure.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance

In the UK, the government has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "supported by robust evidence".

Earlier, support grew behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the administration committed to further research the topic.

Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. An organization established by the family of a teenager who died after encountering disturbing online content argues that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.

"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to create tools that are secure and fit for young users," said a leading online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Picture

In the United States, legislation is largely unfolding at the regional level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.

• Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a measure banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has passed a rule capping minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional time dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills mandating parental consent for teenagers to open social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from some individuals to copy Australia's example, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Outlook

Beyond these regions, further countries are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, global organizations strike a more cautious position. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could backfire". The organization notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.

Even as this global debate continues, the policies of this nation and several other countries indicate that governments globally are increasingly prepared to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.