The Australian decisive action to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a rising chorus of nations are considering parallel measures.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that phones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". The policy is expected to be formalized next year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the tools on the table".
- In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to pass a proposal raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Dutch government has recommended families to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for minors unless parental consent is given. Although it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the move does not establish mandatory rules.
"An effective age restriction is a useful foundation," said one parliamentarian behind the initiative.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach
In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "supported by strong evidence".
Last year, momentum built behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the government vowed to investigate the topic.
Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. An organization established by the family of a girl who died after viewing harmful platform posts argues that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to design tools that are safe and suitable for children," said a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A Fragmented Picture
Stateside, regulation is largely happening at the regional government level amid federal stalemate.
- Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a bill banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a law restricting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with extra time dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed measures mandating adult authorization for minors to open social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from various figures to mimic Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Views
Outside of the West, additional countries are also taking action.
- The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, world agencies adopt a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize safety.
As this global conversation evolves, the steps of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that governments around the world are less and less willing to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.
