Australia's controversial action to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, campaigners, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Momentum
Across Europe, a rising number of countries are exploring parallel bans.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our kids' youth". The policy could be passed next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban could be "one of the options on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to pass a proposal lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended families to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic motion supporting a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the step does not enact binding law.
"A strong age limit is a useful first step," said one parliamentarian supporting the initiative.
The UK: A Cautious Eye
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in strong data".
Last year, interest built behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the issue.
Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous social media material suggests that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to design products and services that are safe and fit for children," commented a prominent peer.
The US: A State-by-State Landscape
Stateside, action is primarily unfolding at the state level due to national gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further time dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures requiring adult authorization for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some politicians to follow Australia's path, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.
International Views
Apart from the West, further countries are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, international organizations adopt a more nuanced position. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The body highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in safety.
As this international conversation evolves, the steps of this nation and others demonstrate that governments globally are less and less willing to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.
