The Australian decisive policy to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and families are monitoring closely to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.
European Movement
In Europe, a rising chorus of countries are moving toward similar measures.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our children's childhood". Legislation is expected to be passed next year.
- Norway is set to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "influence of the AI".
- The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential options on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged parliament to pass a bill increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The government in The Netherlands has recommended parents to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it cautions of the "addictive" design of these services, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.
"A clear age barrier is a good starting point," commented the European lawmaker driving the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance
Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in robust evidence".
Last year, interest built behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government pledged to conduct more studies the matter.
Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. A prominent charity set up by the family of a teenager who died after encountering harmful social media material suggests that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to build tools that are safe and suitable for minors," said a prominent child protection advocate.
America: A Decentralized Landscape
Across America, action is mostly unfolding at the local level amid national gridlock.
- Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a law prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has passed a regulation restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra access needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed measures demanding parental consent for under-16s to open social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from some individuals to follow the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
International Views
Beyond Europe and the US, further nations are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, global organizations take a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could backfire". The organization notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in user protection.
While this worldwide discussion unfolds, the steps of Australia and others show that policymakers globally are no longer prepared to delay for platforms to self-regulate.