Australia's decisive move to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and families are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Movement
Across Europe, a rising group of states are considering similar bans.
- The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that phones and networks are "taking away our kids' youth". The policy may be passed soon.
- Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have stated that an similar ban could be "a potential measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to enact a law lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The government in The Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic motion supporting a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.
"A clear age limit is a good first step," said one European lawmaker behind the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye
Across Britain, the government has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any action must be "based on strong evidence".
Last year, momentum built behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the administration pledged to investigate the matter.
Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous online content argues that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when users turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for minors," said a leading peer.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
In the United States, action is primarily unfolding at the regional government level due to country-wide gridlock.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a law barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a regulation limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional access dependent on a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced measures demanding guardian approval for teenagers to create social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and calls from certain politicians to copy this lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.
Global Views
Outside of Europe and the US, further nations are also considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.
But, international agencies take a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even backfire". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.
While this worldwide discussion unfolds, the policies of Australia and several other countries indicate that governments around the world are increasingly willing to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.
