The Australian decisive policy to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and families are watching closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Trend
Across Europe, a increasing number of nations are moving toward similar restrictions.
- The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our youngsters' youth". A law could be passed next year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential options under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the president has called on parliament to enact a bill increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has advised parents to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a advisory resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it warns of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.
"A strong age limit is a good foundation," commented one parliamentarian behind the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Approach
Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "based on robust evidence".
Earlier, support grew behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the government pledged to investigate the matter.
Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a young person who died after encountering dangerous social media material suggests that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to design products and services that are secure and suitable for young users," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A State-by-State Approach
In the United States, action is mostly happening at the local level amid federal inaction.
- Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a measure prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has passed a regulation capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further access dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills demanding parental consent for teenagers to create social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from some figures to follow the Australian example, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Views
Apart from these regions, other countries are similarly exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, world bodies strike a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might backfire". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in safety.
As this global conversation continues, the actions of Australia and several other countries show that states globally are less and less prepared to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.
