There is a growing international movement to restrict social media access for minors, initially sparked by Australia's policies, which are now being echoed in various countries across Europe and Asia.
Initiatives to prohibit minors from accessing social media are proliferating across Europe and Asia, evolving from Australia's initial individual movement into a global regulatory wave. What began as a 'trial' last year has now become a political priority for over a dozen governments looking to address concerns about teenagers' mental health and screen addiction. Australia led the way, becoming the first country in December to block access to social media for minors under 16, forcing platforms like Meta Platforms, ByteDance (TikTok's parent company), and YouTube to deactivate millions of underage accounts.
Subsequent to Australia's bold move, countries like France approved an initial ban for users under 15, while Spain is planning to set its limit at 16. Additionally, officials in Germany and the United Kingdom have supported similar restrictions, signifying a significant shift in governmental approach across the region. India is already considering age limits and measures against social media use, reflecting a broader recognition of the issue's urgency.
These developments underscore a growing consensus among nations that protecting young people from potential online harms is a priority. With more countries now actively taking legislative action, this trend signals a reevaluation of how social media companies engage with minors worldwide, potentially leading to widespread changes in policy and user access.
