Australia's controversial action to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and families are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.
European Movement
Throughout Europe, a increasing group of states are exploring similar bans.
- The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that phones and networks are "taking away our kids' youth". A law may be passed next year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "an options in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has called on parliament to approve a bill increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has urged parents to block their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the step does not create mandatory rules.
"A strong age limit is a good first step," stated a leading European lawmaker supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye
Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "based on conclusive evidence".
Previously, interest grew behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to investigate the topic.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a girl who was lost after viewing disturbing online content argues that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for children," said a influential peer.
The US: A Decentralized Landscape
Stateside, regulation is largely happening at the state level due to federal stalemate.
- Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a rule capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further use dependent on parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws demanding guardian approval for minors to set up social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from various politicians to mimic this example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Perspectives
Apart from Europe and the US, additional nations are also exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
However, international organizations take a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this international debate continues, the policies of the Australian government and others indicate that governments internationally are no longer willing to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
