The Australian decisive move to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are observing closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.
European Trend
Throughout Europe, a increasing group of states are considering parallel measures.
- The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that phones and platforms are "taking away our children's childhood". The policy could be passed next year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "one of the tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to enact a law lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised families to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding motion supporting a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the step does not create enforceable legislation.
"A clear age limit is a good first step," said a leading parliamentarian supporting the initiative.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance
In the UK, the administration has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "based on conclusive evidence".
Earlier, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the administration committed to further research the issue.
Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after encountering disturbing social media material argues that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people turn 16.
"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to build tools that are safe and fit for minors," commented a influential child protection advocate.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
In the United States, regulation is mostly happening at the state level amid federal inaction.
- Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a measure banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has passed a regulation limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further time requiring parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed bills requiring guardian approval for under-16s to open social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from various individuals to copy this example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
International Views
Outside of the West, further states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
However, world bodies take a more measured stance. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The body points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
Even as this worldwide discussion continues, the policies of Australia and several other countries show that policymakers around the world are no longer willing to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.
