The Australian decisive move to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are watching intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
The European Trend
Throughout Europe, a growing group of nations are exploring similar restrictions.
- The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that phones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' youth". A law could be passed next year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential tools in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has asked lawmakers to approve a law raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a related step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Dutch government has recommended parents to prevent their kids from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a symbolic statement calling for a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is given. While it highlights of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the move does not create binding law.
"An effective age limit is a solid foundation," said the MEP behind the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Stance
In the UK, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "based on robust research".
Earlier, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the administration committed to investigate the topic.
Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. An organization established by the family of a teenager who died after encountering dangerous social media material argues that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for young users," said a prominent peer.
America: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, action is mostly happening at the state level amid federal gridlock.
- The state of Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has passed a law barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has passed a regulation limiting minors to one hour of social media access per day, with additional use needing a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills mandating guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some figures to mimic the Australian example, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Perspectives
Outside of these regions, further states are similarly exploring options.
- The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.
But, global agencies adopt a more cautious position. Unicef has advised that social media bans carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.
While this international conversation unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that states globally are no longer willing to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
