Australia's bold action to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.
European Movement
Throughout Europe, a growing number of nations are moving toward parallel bans.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that phones and platforms are "robbing our children's childhood". A law may be enacted soon.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the tools on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the president has asked the legislature to approve a bill raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The government in the Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their kids from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic statement calling for a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it warns of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A clear age limit is a good foundation," said a leading European lawmaker driving the measure.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
In the UK, the government has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in robust data".
Earlier, interest built behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the government pledged to investigate the matter.
Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a young person who was lost after encountering disturbing online content argues that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create products and services that are safe and age appropriate for young users," stated a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, legislation is largely happening at the state government level amid national gridlock.
- Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a regulation limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra use needing adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced bills requiring guardian approval for teenagers to create social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from some politicians to follow Australia's example, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.
Global Views
Apart from the West, other states are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.
But, international agencies take a more measured position. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The body points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
Even as this global conversation evolves, the actions of Australia and several other countries show that policymakers around the world are no longer prepared to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
