The Australian controversial action to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Trend
Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of states are considering parallel measures.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that phones and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' youth". Legislation could be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "power of the AI".
- The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "an measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has called on parliament to enact a proposal raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised parents to block their kids from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory resolution calling for a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.
"An effective age barrier is a solid foundation," stated the MEP supporting the initiative.
Britain: A Cautious Stance
In the UK, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any action must be "grounded in strong data".
Previously, support grew behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to investigate the issue.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after being exposed to dangerous platform posts suggests that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.
"This ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to design products and services that are appropriate and fit for young users," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
America: A Decentralized Approach
In the United States, action is primarily happening at the regional government level due to federal stalemate.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill barring under-14s from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a law restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional use requiring adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws demanding parental consent for minors to open social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and calls from various figures to copy this path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Views
Beyond these regions, other nations are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, international bodies strike a more nuanced position. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in safety.
While this international debate unfolds, the policies of Australia and others show that states around the world are no longer willing to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.
