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February 11, 2025 | 10:39 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Following Australia's approval of a ban on social media for children under 16 last November, global attention has shifted to several other countries seeking to implement effective age restrictions on social media platforms.
Social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and Snapchat already have enduring regulations prohibiting individuals under 13 from creating accounts. However, child protection advocates argue the oversight falls short. With Australia approving a ban on social media for children under 16 in November last year, global attention has shifted to several other countries aspiring to enforce effective social media age restrictions.
Countries Introduced Social Media Age Restriction
Tech.co and Reuters reported that other than Australia, developed countries like the United Kingdom, Norway, and France have also imposed social media restrictions for people under legal age. Here's a closer look:
1. Australia
The new social media age restriction law in Australia is expected to take effect within a year following enforcement trials in the first half of 2025. Reuters reported that the law forces tech giants such as Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, to prevent underage children from entering or face fines of up to A$49.5 million.
2. United Kingdom
The UK's proposed social media age restriction legislation aims to keep people safe online, with an effort to launch a study into the impact of smartphones and social media, particularly on children under legal age. Focusing on government priorities such as safety by transparency, design, and accountability, the Online Safety Act is planned to be enforced next year.
3. Norway
The Norwegian government has proposed raising the minimum age for social media use from 13 to 15. In accordance with this law, the government plans to introduce bank accounts as a verification method, limiting people younger than legal age to sign up to social media platforms. Although the legislation is yet to reach parliament, the drafting has reportedly begun, as per Reuters.
4. France
The French government has passed a law requiring parental consent for children under 15 to create social media accounts. With technical challenges delaying the implementation of the law, stricter rules were recommended by a panel appointed by President Emmanuel Macron. While the exact time remains unclear, special measures like a ban on cell phones for children under 11 and internet-connected phones for children under 13 are currently being evaluated.
5. Germany
Despite the official social media restriction of minors between 13 and 16 in Germany without parental permission, child protection advocates deem the current supervision to be inadequate. Even so, it’s noted that Germany has no further plans to enforce similar measures as Australia in the near future.
6. Italy
Social media restriction in Italy covers the legal restriction of children under the age of 14 registering social media accounts. Minors are required to earn parental consent to have a social media presence.
7. Belgium
Similar to Italy, Belgium enforced a social media restriction law that allows children to sign up for accounts only with parental permission. Additionally, the minimum age for this rule is 13.
Countries like Australia, the United Kingdom, and France are leading efforts to impose stricter social media age restrictions, while others, such as Norway and Germany, are exploring further measures to enhance child safety online. Check out the list of countries with the best cybersecurity here.
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