The Australian controversial policy to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are observing closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.
Across Europe Trend
Across Europe, a rising chorus of countries are considering parallel restrictions.
- The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' youth". The policy is expected to be passed next year.
- Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to pass a proposal raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The government in the Netherlands has advised families to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a symbolic statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is provided. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the move does not create binding law.
"A strong age limit is a good foundation," said the parliamentarian driving the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "based on strong data".
Previously, interest built behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the matter.
Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. One foundation established by the relatives of a young person who was lost after viewing dangerous platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when young people become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are safe and age appropriate for children," commented a prominent child protection advocate.
The US: A State-by-State Landscape
Across America, legislation is primarily happening at the state level due to federal inaction.
- Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has passed a law barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a law restricting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with any further time requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws requiring parental consent for under-16s to set up social media profiles.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from certain figures to copy the Australian example, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.
International Perspectives
Beyond the West, other nations are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, global bodies take a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The body highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve safety.
While this global discussion unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that states around the world are no longer willing to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.
