The Australian controversial move to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are watching intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.
The European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a increasing group of countries are exploring parallel measures.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our children's childhood". Legislation is expected to be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "influence of the AI".
- The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban remains "a potential tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to pass a proposal lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a similar move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is granted. While it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A clear age limit is a solid first step," commented one parliamentarian supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the government has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by robust evidence".
Previously, support gathered behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the government vowed to investigate the issue.
Charities have expressed warnings. One foundation founded by the family of a young person who died after encountering dangerous platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when users reach the legal age.
"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for children," commented a leading peer.
The United States: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, action is mostly occurring at the regional government level against a backdrop of national gridlock.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has signed a law prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation capping under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with additional use requiring adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills mandating guardian approval for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and calls from some individuals to copy Australia's path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Beyond the West, other nations are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, international bodies strike a more cautious position. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "might backfire". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve safety.
Even as this global debate unfolds, the steps of this nation and others show that governments internationally are less and less willing to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.
