The Australian bold policy to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are observing closely to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.
European Trend
Throughout Europe, a rising number of countries are moving toward similar bans.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and networks are "taking away our kids' innocence". Legislation is expected to be formalized soon.
- Norway is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to pass a bill increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The administration in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their children from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is provided. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the step does not enact binding law.
"A strong age barrier is a useful starting point," said one European lawmaker behind the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye
Across Britain, the government has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".
Earlier, momentum built behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government vowed to investigate the topic.
Charities have voiced apprehensions. One foundation set up by the relatives of a girl who died after viewing dangerous online content contends that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for children," said a prominent child protection advocate.
America: A State-by-State Landscape
Stateside, legislation is mostly unfolding at the regional level due to country-wide stalemate.
- The state of Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has signed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has passed a regulation restricting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with extra access dependent on adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced measures mandating guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from various politicians to follow this path, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
International Outlook
Beyond Europe and the US, further states are also taking action.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, international organizations adopt a more measured stance. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could backfire". The body points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve user protection.
As this worldwide conversation evolves, the steps of Australia and others indicate that states around the world are no longer content to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
