Australia's bold action to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are watching closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Movement
Across Europe, a growing number of countries are considering similar measures.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our kids' childhood". The policy is expected to be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "influence of the AI".
- The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban could be "one of the measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has urged parliament to approve a law raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Dutch government has advised families to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is granted. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age barrier is a good foundation," said a leading parliamentarian behind the initiative.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye
Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "based on conclusive data".
Last year, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. However, the administration committed to further research the topic.
Charities have expressed warnings. An organization set up by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to harmful platform posts suggests that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when users turn 16.
"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for minors," commented a prominent peer.
The US: A State-by-State Approach
Stateside, legislation is largely unfolding at the state government level amid national gridlock.
- The state of Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a measure banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has passed a law capping teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with additional use requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted laws requiring parental consent for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some individuals to mimic this lead, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Views
Outside of Europe and the US, additional states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.
However, global agencies take a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve user protection.
While this international conversation continues, the steps of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that governments internationally are less and less willing to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.