The Australian controversial policy to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
The European Momentum
Across Europe, a rising chorus of countries are exploring similar restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that phones and apps are "robbing our children's childhood". The policy may be formalized in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the options on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to pass a law increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a related move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The government in the Netherlands has urged guardians to block their children from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic motion supporting a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it warns of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A clear age restriction is a solid starting point," stated a leading MEP supporting the resolution.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye
Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "supported by conclusive evidence".
Previously, momentum gathered behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government committed to investigate the matter.
Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. An organization founded by the relatives of a young person who died after encountering dangerous online content contends that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when teens reach the legal age.
"This ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to design tools that are safe and age appropriate for young users," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
In the United States, regulation is mostly occurring at the regional level amid national inaction.
- Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a measure banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a rule limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further access needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures requiring adult authorization for under-16s to open social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from various politicians to copy Australia's example, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.
International Outlook
Beyond Europe and the US, additional states are also taking action.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
However, world organizations adopt a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The body notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve safety.
While this worldwide conversation evolves, the actions of Australia and its followers indicate that governments around the world are no longer prepared to delay for platforms to self-regulate.
