Australia's controversial policy to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.
European Movement
In Europe, a rising chorus of nations are exploring parallel bans.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and apps are "taking away our children's youth". Legislation may be formalized next year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "a potential options on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to pass a law raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Netherlands has advised parents to block their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a advisory motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it warns of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the move does not enact binding law.
"A clear age limit is a solid foundation," said a leading European lawmaker supporting the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the administration has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in strong data".
Previously, momentum built behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the administration vowed to investigate the matter.
Advocacy groups have raised concerns. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after being exposed to harmful online content suggests that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to design products and services that are safe and fit for minors," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.
America: A Decentralized Landscape
In the United States, regulation is largely happening at the state level amid federal gridlock.
- Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a bill prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with any further access needing parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced measures requiring parental consent for minors to open social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various politicians to follow this lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Beyond these regions, other states are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, global agencies strike a more measured stance. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The body highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in safety.
Even as this worldwide debate unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and others demonstrate that states around the world are increasingly prepared to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.
