The Australian controversial policy to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are watching closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
European Trend
Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are exploring parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that smartphones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". A law could be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban remains "one of the options under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to approve a law lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in the Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their kids from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory statement supporting a ban for under-16s without parental consent is provided. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the move does not create binding law.
"An effective age limit is a solid first step," commented a leading MEP behind the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach
For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "supported by strong research".
Earlier, support gathered behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. However, the government vowed to investigate the issue.
Charities have expressed concerns. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after being exposed to dangerous social media material contends that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for minors," commented a prominent peer.
The United States: A Decentralized Landscape
Stateside, regulation is primarily happening at the regional government level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.
- Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law capping minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional access dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted measures demanding adult authorization for teenagers to open social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from various individuals to follow the Australian path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Beyond these regions, further states are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, global bodies adopt a more measured tone. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The body highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
Even as this worldwide debate continues, the steps of this nation and its followers show that states globally are less and less willing to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
