The Australian controversial policy to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.
The European Momentum
Across Europe, a increasing chorus of states are considering parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' youth". Legislation could be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to pass a law increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to restrict their kids from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for minors without parental consent is granted. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age restriction is a useful foundation," said one MEP behind the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye
In the UK, the administration has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in conclusive data".
Previously, interest grew behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the administration vowed to investigate the topic.
Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous online content argues that a strict age ban might not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when users become eligible.
"This ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for minors," stated a prominent peer.
The United States: A State-by-State Landscape
In the United States, regulation is largely happening at the local level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.
- The state of Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has passed a bill prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a law capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further access needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures requiring guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from various individuals to copy Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Apart from these regions, other states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, global agencies adopt a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The body points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in user protection.
Even as this global debate unfolds, the steps of this nation and others indicate that states around the world are increasingly prepared to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.
