The Australian controversial action to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Trend
In Europe, a rising chorus of countries are moving toward parallel measures.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our kids' youth". Legislation could be passed soon.
- Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "a potential measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to enact a bill raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their kids from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a advisory resolution demanding a ban for minors except if guardian approval is granted. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the step does not create mandatory rules.
"An effective age restriction is a solid foundation," stated one European lawmaker driving the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye
Across Britain, the government has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "grounded in robust evidence".
Last year, support grew behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to further research the topic.
Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. One foundation set up by the family of a young person who was lost after encountering harmful online content contends that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when users turn 16.
"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for young users," stated a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A State-by-State Picture
In the United States, action is primarily happening at the local government level due to national inaction.
- Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a regulation capping under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further use dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills demanding guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from some figures to copy this lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Global Views
Beyond the West, other states are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.
However, world bodies take a more measured position. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The body notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.
As this international conversation evolves, the policies of Australia and its followers show that policymakers internationally are increasingly willing to wait for platforms to self-regulate.
