The Australian controversial move to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are watching with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.
European Movement
Across Europe, a increasing group of countries are exploring comparable measures.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". The policy could be enacted soon.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "an tools under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the president has urged parliament to pass a bill lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended parents to block their children from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is given. Even though it warns of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the move does not establish binding law.
"A clear age limit is a solid starting point," commented a leading MEP supporting the resolution.
Britain: A Cautious Eye
Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any action must be "supported by strong evidence".
Previously, support built behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the issue.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. One foundation founded by the family of a young person who took her own life after encountering dangerous platform posts argues that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users become eligible.
"This ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to create tools that are safe and age appropriate for minors," stated a prominent peer.
America: A Fragmented Landscape
Stateside, action is largely unfolding at the regional level amid federal stalemate.
- Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has signed a law banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a regulation capping teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further access needing adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills demanding adult authorization for minors to set up social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from various figures to copy this example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Global Views
Apart from Europe and the US, additional countries are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, global organizations take a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The body notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.
While this international discussion evolves, the policies of the Australian government and its followers show that governments around the world are increasingly willing to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.
