The Australian controversial policy to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are watching closely to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.
The European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a increasing number of countries are considering comparable restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our children's youth". A law is expected to be enacted soon.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "a potential options in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to approve a proposal raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has urged families to block their kids from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is provided. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the move does not create binding law.
"An effective age restriction is a good starting point," commented one European lawmaker driving the initiative.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye
In the UK, the administration has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by strong data".
Last year, support gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the matter.
Charities have expressed concerns. An organization founded by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after being exposed to harmful platform posts contends that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when users become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are safe and age appropriate for young users," said a influential peer.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
Stateside, action is primarily happening at the state government level due to national stalemate.
- Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has signed a law prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a rule restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra access needing a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted measures demanding guardian approval for teenagers to open social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain politicians to follow this path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Perspectives
Outside of Europe and the US, other nations are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, international bodies adopt a more measured position. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "could backfire". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
As this international discussion continues, the policies of Australia and others indicate that governments globally are increasingly willing to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.
