Australia's bold move to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Momentum
In Europe, a rising chorus of countries are moving toward parallel restrictions.
- The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our children's childhood". The policy is expected to be enacted next year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the AI".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban is "an measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to approve a proposal increasing the access 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 endorsed a comparable action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Dutch government has advised parents to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory resolution supporting a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is provided. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the move does not establish binding law.
"An effective age barrier is a useful foundation," stated the MEP behind the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance
In the UK, the government has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "supported by robust evidence".
Previously, interest grew behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. However, the administration committed to further research the matter.
Charities have expressed warnings. A prominent charity established by the family of a girl who took her own life after viewing disturbing online content suggests that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to design products and services that are safe and fit for minors," commented a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A Decentralized Landscape
Across America, action is mostly unfolding at the state level amid national stalemate.
- The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has passed a bill banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a law restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional use needing adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills mandating guardian approval for teenagers to open social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from various politicians to follow the Australian example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Beyond these regions, further states are likewise taking action.
- The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, world bodies strike a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.
Even as this worldwide debate evolves, the actions of Australia and its followers demonstrate that policymakers internationally are no longer prepared to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.
