The Australian bold policy to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and families are watching closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.
The European Trend
Throughout Europe, a rising group of countries are exploring comparable bans.
- The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that phones and apps are "stealing our children's innocence". A law may be formalized next year.
- Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "a potential measures on the table".
- In Spain, the president has asked parliament to enact a proposal increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The government in The Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" design of these services, the move does not create binding law.
"An effective age limit is a good starting point," commented the European lawmaker behind the resolution.
The UK: A Watchful Eye
Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "supported by strong research".
Earlier, momentum gathered behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. However, the administration vowed to further research the issue.
Charities have expressed concerns. An organization founded by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous online content suggests that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when users become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are safe and fit for children," stated a prominent child protection advocate.
The United States: A Decentralized Landscape
Across America, legislation is largely unfolding at the state level amid federal inaction.
- Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has passed a law restricting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with extra access needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted laws demanding adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from some figures to copy the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Outlook
Beyond the West, further states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, global agencies adopt a more measured tone. Unicef has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "may even backfire". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve user protection.
Even as this international conversation continues, the policies of Australia and its followers show that states around the world are increasingly willing to wait for the industry to self-regulate.
