The Australian controversial policy to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
The European Momentum
In Europe, a increasing number of states are considering similar restrictions.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our kids' innocence". Legislation may be passed next year.
- Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the measures on the table".
- In Spain, the president has urged parliament to approve a proposal raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is given. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.
"An effective age restriction is a good starting point," stated a leading parliamentarian supporting the initiative.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance
Across Britain, the administration has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any action must be "based on conclusive evidence".
Previously, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the topic.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. One foundation established by the family of a young person who was lost after encountering harmful online content suggests that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when teens reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are secure and fit for young users," said a prominent child protection advocate.
America: A Decentralized Landscape
Stateside, legislation is largely occurring at the state level against a backdrop of federal inaction.
- The state of Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has signed a bill prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a regulation limiting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with extra access requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced bills demanding guardian approval for minors to open social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from various politicians to copy this path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.
International Views
Outside of the West, further states are likewise considering moves.
- The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, international bodies strike a more measured position. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in user protection.
While this worldwide conversation evolves, the actions of this nation and others indicate that states around the world are increasingly content to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.
