Australia's bold action to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are watching intently to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a growing number of states are moving toward comparable restrictions.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our children's childhood". The policy is expected to be formalized soon.
- Norway is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the AI".
- The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an similar ban is "an measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to approve a bill raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a related step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is granted. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A strong age barrier is a good first step," stated one European lawmaker behind the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Approach
For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "based on strong research".
Earlier, interest grew behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the government pledged to further research the matter.
Charities have voiced warnings. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after viewing dangerous online content argues that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to build products and services that are safe and suitable for children," said a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A Fragmented Landscape
Stateside, regulation is largely happening at the local level due to country-wide gridlock.
- Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a rule capping under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional use needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws requiring guardian approval for minors to create social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from certain politicians to follow this lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Global Outlook
Beyond these regions, further nations are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.
However, global bodies adopt a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could backfire". The organization notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
As this international debate evolves, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers around the world are no longer content to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.
