Australia's bold move to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Momentum
In Europe, a rising chorus of states are exploring parallel measures.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' youth". A law is expected to be enacted soon.
- Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban is "an tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has called on parliament to enact a proposal increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their kids from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding statement calling for a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is given. While it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these services, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.
"A clear age restriction is a useful starting point," said a leading parliamentarian supporting the resolution.
The UK: A Watchful Stance
In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "grounded in strong evidence".
Last year, support built behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government committed to investigate the matter.
Charities have raised warnings. An organization set up by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after viewing disturbing platform posts argues that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when users reach the legal age.
"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are safe and age appropriate for children," said a leading peer.
The US: A State-by-State Approach
Across America, regulation is mostly unfolding at the local level due to national gridlock.
- Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a measure barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a regulation restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra use dependent on a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted laws mandating parental consent for teenagers to open social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from certain individuals to follow Australia's path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.
International Outlook
Beyond Europe and the US, further nations are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, international agencies adopt a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in safety.
While this global discussion evolves, the actions of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that policymakers around the world are less and less willing to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.
