Australia's controversial move to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are observing closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are moving toward parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that phones and platforms are "taking away our children's childhood". The policy could be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the tools under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged parliament to pass a proposal lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in the Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their children from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic statement demanding a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.
"A strong age barrier is a good foundation," said a leading European lawmaker supporting the measure.
The UK: A Cautious Approach
Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by conclusive data".
Last year, interest built behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to further research the topic.
Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. An organization founded by the family of a young person who died after viewing harmful platform posts argues that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for children," said a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, action is mostly happening at the local government level against a backdrop of national stalemate.
- Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a law prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has approved a regulation restricting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra time needing adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed bills demanding guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from certain figures to copy Australia's path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Beyond the West, further states are likewise exploring options.
- The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, international agencies adopt a more measured stance. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "might backfire". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
Even as this international discussion evolves, the actions of the Australian government and others show that states around the world are less and less willing to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
