Australia's decisive move to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are observing closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a rising number of states are moving toward similar restrictions.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that phones and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". The policy may be enacted soon.
- Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban remains "an tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to pass a law raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a related step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is given. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the move does not create mandatory rules.
"A clear age limit is a solid starting point," commented one European lawmaker supporting the measure.
The UK: A Cautious Stance
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "based on conclusive research".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the matter.
Charities have voiced concerns. An organization established by the relatives of a young person who was lost after being exposed to dangerous platform posts argues that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to design products and services that are safe and age appropriate for young users," said a leading peer.
America: A State-by-State Approach
Stateside, action is largely occurring at the local level due to federal gridlock.
- The state of Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a law capping minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra time needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed bills demanding parental consent for teenagers to open social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from some politicians to follow Australia's lead, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.
International Views
Apart from the West, further countries are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, international organizations strike a more nuanced stance. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The body points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in safety.
Even as this worldwide debate continues, the steps of this nation and its followers indicate that policymakers internationally are no longer prepared to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.
