The Australian controversial move to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are watching closely to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of states are considering comparable restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". A law may be passed soon.
- The Norwegian government is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "an measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to enact a law increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The government in The Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the resolution does not create binding law.
"An effective age restriction is a solid starting point," stated a leading European lawmaker behind the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Stance
For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "based on strong data".
Earlier, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.
Charities have raised warnings. One foundation set up by the relatives of a teenager who died after being exposed to disturbing platform posts suggests that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for young users," said a influential child protection advocate.
The United States: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, regulation is largely unfolding at the state government level amid federal inaction.
- The state of Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a measure barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has passed a law restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra time requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills demanding guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from various politicians to follow Australia's path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Global Views
Outside of Europe and the US, additional nations are similarly exploring options.
- The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.
But, world bodies take a more measured stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The body notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.
Even as this global debate continues, the actions of the Australian government and others indicate that governments globally are increasingly prepared to delay for the industry to self-regulate.
