Australia's decisive move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and families are observing intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Movement
Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of states are considering similar bans.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". A law is expected to be passed soon.
- Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an similar ban could be "an options in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the president has called on parliament to pass a proposal increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Dutch government has urged families to prevent their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding statement supporting a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is granted. While it warns of the "compulsive" design of these services, the resolution does not create binding law.
"A strong age limit is a good foundation," commented a leading MEP supporting the initiative.
Britain: A Cautious Stance
For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "supported by robust evidence".
Previously, support grew behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to further research the topic.
Campaign organizations have raised warnings. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after viewing dangerous online content argues that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens turn 16.
"This ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to build tools that are safe and suitable for children," commented a influential peer.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
Across America, legislation is mostly happening at the local government level against a backdrop of national inaction.
- Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has signed a measure prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a rule capping minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further access requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted laws mandating parental consent for minors to set up social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from certain figures to follow the Australian path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Outside of the West, other countries are also taking action.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.
But, international bodies strike a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
Even as this global discussion unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that policymakers internationally are no longer content to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.
