The Australian bold policy to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Momentum
In Europe, a rising group of states are exploring similar bans.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that phones and networks are "robbing our children's innocence". Legislation could be enacted next year.
- Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential measures under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to pass a bill increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a advisory resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not establish binding law.
"An effective age barrier is a solid starting point," commented one parliamentarian behind the initiative.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye
In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "supported by conclusive research".
Earlier, momentum gathered behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the government vowed to further research the matter.
Charities have raised concerns. One foundation set up by the relatives of a teenager who died after encountering disturbing platform posts suggests that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are safe and age appropriate for children," said a leading peer.
The United States: A Decentralized Approach
In the United States, legislation is largely happening at the regional level due to federal inaction.
- The state of Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a bill prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a rule restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional time needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted bills mandating adult authorization for minors to open social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from some figures to follow Australia's example, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Global Views
Outside of Europe and the US, further states are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.
However, international bodies adopt a more measured position. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The body notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve safety.
Even as this global debate unfolds, the steps of this nation and its followers demonstrate that policymakers internationally are less and less content to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.
