The Australian controversial move to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and families are watching intently to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.
European Movement
In Europe, a rising chorus of nations are considering comparable measures.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our kids' innocence". The policy may be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential tools on the table".
- In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to enact a proposal raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their kids from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a symbolic motion supporting a ban for minors except if parental consent is given. Even though it warns of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the move does not establish binding law.
"An effective age restriction is a solid foundation," commented a leading parliamentarian driving the resolution.
Britain: A Watchful Eye
For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in strong data".
Previously, interest gathered behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the government vowed to conduct more studies the topic.
Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. An organization founded by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after viewing harmful platform posts contends that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to build products and services that are safe and age appropriate for children," commented a influential child protection advocate.
America: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, action is largely happening at the state government level due to national gridlock.
- Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has signed a measure banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has passed a law capping minors to one hour of social media access per day, with extra time requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted laws mandating guardian approval for minors to create social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from various individuals to mimic the Australian path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
International Perspectives
Apart from the West, additional nations are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, international agencies strike a more measured position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The body points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in user protection.
Even as this global discussion evolves, the actions of Australia and others demonstrate that policymakers globally are increasingly willing to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.
