The Australian controversial policy to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a increasing group of countries are exploring comparable bans.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that smartphones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". A law may be formalized next year.
- Norway is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the options in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to pass a proposal lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a comparable step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Dutch government has recommended families to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is given. While it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the step does not create enforceable legislation.
"A clear age barrier is a good first step," said one MEP supporting the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Approach
Across Britain, the government has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in strong research".
Previously, support gathered behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the administration vowed to investigate the matter.
Charities have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a girl who died after encountering harmful online content contends that a simple age ban may not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when users become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for minors," stated a leading peer.
America: A Decentralized Picture
In the United States, action is mostly happening at the local level amid federal gridlock.
- Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has passed a law barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a law restricting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with any further access needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws mandating parental consent for under-16s to set up social media profiles.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from some politicians to follow this path, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.
International Outlook
Apart from these regions, further nations are likewise considering moves.
- The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.
But, world agencies take a more measured position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The body notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in safety.
Even as this international discussion evolves, the steps of Australia and its followers show that governments internationally are increasingly content to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.
