🔗 Share this article

The nation's bold policy to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are watching intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.

European Momentum

Across Europe, a rising number of nations are moving toward similar bans.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our children's childhood". The policy may be enacted next year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential options under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on the legislature to enact a law lifting the access 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 endorsed a comparable move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory statement demanding a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.

"A strong age restriction is a useful starting point," commented one MEP behind the resolution.

The UK: A Cautious Eye

In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "supported by conclusive data".

Previously, interest gathered behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. One foundation established by the loved ones of a girl who died after being exposed to harmful platform posts argues that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when users become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are safe and fit for minors," said a prominent peer.

America: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, regulation is mostly happening at the local level due to federal inaction.

• Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a rule limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional use dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted bills demanding parental consent for minors to create social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from various politicians to copy this example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Perspectives

Outside of the West, further countries are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, global organizations adopt a more nuanced tone. Unicef has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The body highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in user protection.

While this global conversation evolves, the steps of this nation and others show that governments internationally are no longer content to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.