🔗 Share this article

The nation's decisive action to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are watching intently to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.

Across Europe Trend

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

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our children's youth". A law is expected to be passed soon.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban is "a potential measures on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to enact a proposal increasing 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 parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their children from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a symbolic motion supporting a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is granted. While it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the step does not enact binding law.

"An effective age barrier is a solid foundation," commented the European lawmaker behind the measure.

The UK: A Cautious Stance

For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a possible ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "based on strong data".

Previously, interest built behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the administration vowed to further research the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised warnings. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a young person who was lost after being exposed to dangerous online content suggests that a simple age ban may not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for young users," commented a influential child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, legislation is primarily occurring at the regional government level due to national gridlock.

• Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has signed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a rule limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra access requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted laws requiring parental consent for minors to set up social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from various figures to follow this example, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Perspectives

Apart from the West, other countries are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.

However, global organizations adopt a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The agency notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve safety.

Even as this international debate continues, the steps of this nation and others show that policymakers internationally are no longer willing to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.