Australia's controversial action to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.
European Trend
Across Europe, a rising chorus of countries are moving toward comparable measures.
- The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that smartphones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' youth". A law may be passed next year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "power of the AI".
- The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "an options in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the president has urged the legislature to pass a law lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a similar move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The administration in the Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is granted. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the resolution does not enact binding law.
"A clear age limit is a good first step," said a leading MEP supporting the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach
For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "based on conclusive research".
Previously, support grew behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the government committed to conduct more studies the matter.
Charities have voiced concerns. One foundation set up by the family of a young person who died after being exposed to disturbing social media material argues that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when users turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are safe and fit for young users," stated a leading peer.
The US: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, legislation is largely happening at the state level amid country-wide inaction.
- Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a law barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a law limiting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with any further access needing a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures demanding parental consent for under-16s to set up social media profiles.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from certain individuals to copy the Australian example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
International Views
Beyond Europe and the US, further countries are likewise considering moves.
- The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, global organizations adopt a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might backfire". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize safety.
Even as this global discussion continues, the actions of this nation and its followers indicate that states around the world are increasingly prepared to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.
