Australia's bold move to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are watching closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.
Across Europe Movement
Across Europe, a rising chorus of countries are considering parallel restrictions.
- The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that phones and networks are "robbing our kids' childhood". The policy could be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "an measures under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has urged the legislature to pass a bill increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is provided. Although it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age barrier is a solid foundation," commented the European lawmaker behind the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the government has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".
Previously, momentum grew behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the administration pledged to investigate the matter.
Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. One foundation established by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after viewing harmful platform posts argues that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when users reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to create tools that are safe and age appropriate for young users," said a prominent child protection advocate.
The United States: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, regulation is primarily unfolding at the regional level due to federal gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a measure banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a rule restricting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with extra time dependent on adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed measures requiring adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from various individuals to copy this example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
International Perspectives
Beyond these regions, further countries are also taking action.
- The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.
But, world agencies adopt a more measured position. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The agency notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.
As this worldwide discussion unfolds, the policies of this nation and several other countries indicate that governments around the world are less and less willing to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.
