Australia's decisive action to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are observing intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
The European Movement
Throughout Europe, a growing group of countries are considering comparable restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our children's innocence". A law may be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have stated that an similar ban is "an options under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to enact a proposal raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for minors without guardian approval is provided. While it warns of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.
"An effective age limit is a solid foundation," said the MEP supporting the resolution.
The UK: A Watchful Eye
For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in robust evidence".
Previously, momentum gathered behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.
Charities have voiced warnings. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after encountering disturbing online content contends that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are secure and fit for young users," said a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
Stateside, action is primarily occurring at the local level due to federal stalemate.
- Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a law prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a rule capping minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional access requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced bills mandating parental consent for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some figures to mimic Australia's path, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.
International Views
Beyond Europe and the US, other countries are likewise considering moves.
- The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, world agencies strike a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve safety.
Even as this international debate unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and others demonstrate that governments around the world are increasingly prepared to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.
