The Australian controversial action to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.
Across Europe Trend
Throughout Europe, a growing number of countries are considering comparable measures.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our youngsters' youth". The policy is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential measures on the table".
- In Spain, the president has called on parliament to pass a proposal lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a similar move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has advised families to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic motion calling for a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is provided. Although it warns of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age restriction is a good first step," said one European lawmaker driving the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye
In the UK, the government has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "based on strong evidence".
Last year, support grew behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration committed to further research the topic.
Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. One foundation founded by the family of a girl who died after viewing disturbing social media material argues that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people turn 16.
"This ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to build products and services that are safe and suitable for minors," commented a prominent child protection advocate.
The United States: A State-by-State Landscape
Stateside, regulation is mostly occurring at the regional level amid national inaction.
- The state of Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a bill barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a rule restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional use requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws demanding adult authorization for under-16s to create social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from some individuals to copy Australia's path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.
International Perspectives
Outside of these regions, additional countries are also exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, international organizations adopt a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve user protection.
Even as this global discussion evolves, the steps of this nation and its followers demonstrate that policymakers around the world are less and less content to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.
