The Australian decisive move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and families are watching intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Trend
Across Europe, a increasing group of states are considering parallel measures.
- The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that phones and networks are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". The policy is expected to be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential options under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has urged lawmakers to approve a proposal lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The government in the Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is given. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the move does not establish mandatory rules.
"A clear age limit is a solid foundation," commented the MEP supporting the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach
Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".
Previously, support grew behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the matter.
Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. One foundation established by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after being exposed to dangerous platform posts contends that a simple age ban might not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens reach the legal age.
"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to build tools that are secure and age appropriate for children," stated a prominent peer.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, legislation is largely unfolding at the local government level due to federal inaction.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a measure banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a rule restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra access requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures mandating adult authorization for teenagers to create social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from some politicians to follow Australia's path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Beyond these regions, additional nations are also exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, world bodies adopt a more measured position. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could backfire". The organization points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this worldwide debate continues, the actions of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers around the world are no longer willing to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.
