🔗 Share this article

The Australian controversial policy to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and families are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

Across Europe, a rising chorus of countries are moving toward comparable bans.

• The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our children's youth". Legislation is expected to be passed soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "influence of the AI".
• The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media participants. Officials have stated that an similar ban remains "a potential measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to pass a proposal increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a similar step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Dutch government has urged guardians to restrict their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the move does not enact binding law.

"An effective age barrier is a useful foundation," commented a leading MEP behind the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "supported by strong research".

Last year, support built behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government pledged to further research the matter.

Advocacy groups have raised concerns. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a girl who died after encountering disturbing platform posts argues that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when users reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for children," stated a prominent peer.

America: A Decentralized Approach

Stateside, action is primarily occurring at the state level due to federal inaction.

• Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has passed a law banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has passed a rule capping teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further use needing adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted laws demanding guardian approval for under-16s to open social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various politicians to follow the Australian lead, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Outlook

Apart from these regions, other states are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, international agencies strike a more cautious position. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The body notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.

While this worldwide conversation evolves, the actions of the Australian government and its followers indicate that policymakers around the world are less and less content to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.