The Australian decisive policy to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Trend
In Europe, a growing chorus of states are considering comparable measures.
- The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our children's childhood". A law is expected to be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the AI".
- The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban remains "an tools on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to pass a law lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a related action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The government in the Netherlands has urged families to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding statement demanding a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the resolution does not establish binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a useful starting point," said a leading European lawmaker driving the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any action must be "grounded in conclusive research".
Last year, support gathered behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the government pledged to conduct more studies the issue.
Charities have voiced warnings. An organization set up by the family of a teenager who died after being exposed to disturbing social media material suggests that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when users turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are secure and fit for young users," said a influential child protection advocate.
The United States: A Decentralized Landscape
In the United States, regulation is primarily occurring at the regional government level against a backdrop of national inaction.
- Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a bill banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a rule capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional access dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws demanding guardian approval for minors to create social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from certain individuals to mimic the Australian example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Views
Apart from the West, other countries are also considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, world bodies take a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.
While this worldwide debate unfolds, the steps of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that governments internationally are increasingly content to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.
