The Australian controversial policy to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.
European Momentum
In Europe, a increasing group of states are considering similar measures.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our children's innocence". A law may be enacted next year.
- Norway is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "an measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has urged lawmakers to pass a bill increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory motion demanding a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is given. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the move does not establish binding law.
"An effective age barrier is a solid foundation," stated the European lawmaker supporting the measure.
The UK: A Cautious Eye
Across Britain, the government has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "supported by strong evidence".
Earlier, interest gathered behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the administration committed to further research the topic.
Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. One foundation set up by the relatives of a girl who was lost after being exposed to harmful social media material argues that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people reach the legal age.
"This ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to build tools that are appropriate and suitable for children," commented a influential online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Decentralized Landscape
In the United States, regulation is largely occurring at the regional level due to federal gridlock.
- Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a law prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a rule restricting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional use needing parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws mandating adult authorization for teenagers to open social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from certain politicians to copy Australia's path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.
International Views
Beyond these regions, additional nations are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, world organizations take a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.
While this global conversation evolves, the steps of this nation and others demonstrate that states globally are less and less prepared to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.
