The Australian controversial move to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
The European Trend
Across Europe, a increasing group of states are considering similar restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that phones and platforms are "taking away our kids' innocence". The policy could be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have stated that an similar ban is "a potential options under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to pass a proposal lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The administration in the Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is granted. Although it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the move does not establish mandatory rules.
"An effective age restriction is a solid first step," commented a leading European lawmaker behind the initiative.
Britain: A Watchful Stance
Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any action must be "based on strong data".
Earlier, interest gathered behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government vowed to further research the topic.
Charities have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after encountering harmful platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when users turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for young users," stated a prominent peer.
The US: A Fragmented Landscape
In the United States, action is primarily happening at the state government level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.
- Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a bill banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a regulation limiting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with any further access needing adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws requiring guardian approval for teenagers to create social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some individuals to mimic this path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Beyond the West, other countries are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.
However, international bodies take a more cautious position. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The body notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.
As this global debate continues, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries show that governments globally are no longer content to wait for the industry to self-regulate.
