The Australian decisive move to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are watching closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.
European Movement
Throughout Europe, a growing number of states are moving toward similar bans.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our children's childhood". The policy may be enacted soon.
- Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to pass a law lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The government in The Dutch government has recommended parents to prevent their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a advisory motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is provided. While it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not enact binding law.
"A clear age restriction is a good starting point," said the MEP driving the resolution.
Britain: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by strong evidence".
Earlier, momentum gathered behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the topic.
Charities have expressed warnings. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous online content argues that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," commented a influential peer.
America: A State-by-State Approach
Across America, legislation is mostly occurring at the state level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.
- Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has passed a law banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a law limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional time requiring adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted measures requiring guardian approval for teenagers to create social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from some figures to copy the Australian example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, other nations are also considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, world bodies strike a more measured tone. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might backfire". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve user protection.
As this international conversation unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and others indicate that policymakers globally are increasingly willing to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.
