The Australian controversial move to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are observing intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a rising group of states are exploring similar bans.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' youth". A law is expected to be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban remains "one of the options on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to approve a bill raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Dutch government has advised guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic statement supporting a ban for minors unless guardian approval is granted. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the move does not establish binding law.
"A strong age restriction is a solid starting point," said one MEP driving the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye
Across Britain, the administration has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "based on conclusive research".
Previously, support built behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the government pledged to further research the topic.
Campaign organizations have raised warnings. An organization established by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after encountering disturbing platform posts contends that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for minors," stated a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A Decentralized Picture
Stateside, action is primarily unfolding at the state government level amid country-wide gridlock.
- Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has signed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a rule limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional use dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills mandating guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from some figures to follow this path, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Apart from the West, additional states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, global agencies adopt a more measured stance. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
While this worldwide conversation unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and others show that policymakers around the world are no longer content to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.
