Australia's bold move to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.
The European Trend
Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of countries are considering parallel restrictions.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our children's childhood". The policy could be passed next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "influence of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential measures on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged parliament to approve a law raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a advisory statement demanding a ban for minors without parental consent is granted. While it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the resolution does not establish binding law.
"A strong age limit is a solid foundation," stated a leading MEP driving the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any action must be "supported by robust evidence".
Previously, support gathered behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the government vowed to investigate the matter.
Charities have voiced concerns. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after encountering dangerous platform posts argues that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are safe and fit for young users," stated a influential peer.
The US: A Fragmented Landscape
Stateside, action is primarily occurring at the local level amid federal stalemate.
- Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has passed a measure prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a rule capping minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra use dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced laws requiring guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from some figures to follow the Australian path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.
International Perspectives
Outside of the West, additional nations are also considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, global bodies adopt a more measured tone. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.
As this worldwide conversation evolves, the actions of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers around the world are no longer content to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.
