Australia's bold policy to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are watching closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.
European Momentum
In Europe, a increasing chorus of states are moving toward similar measures.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' youth". The policy may be formalized soon.
- Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an similar ban could be "one of the tools on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked parliament to approve a proposal lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a related step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Dutch government has advised parents to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it warns of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A clear age limit is a good foundation," commented a leading MEP supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the government has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "based on conclusive data".
Last year, support grew behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the administration committed to conduct more studies the issue.
Charities have voiced concerns. An organization founded by the family of a girl who died after viewing disturbing online content argues that a simple age ban might not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens reach the legal age.
"This ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are safe and age appropriate for children," said a prominent child protection advocate.
The US: A State-by-State Landscape
In the United States, action is mostly occurring at the regional government level amid federal gridlock.
- Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a law prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law capping minors to one hour of social media access per day, with any further access requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws demanding guardian approval for minors to create social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from various politicians to copy this path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
International Views
Outside of the West, other nations are similarly considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, world agencies adopt a more cautious stance. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even backfire". The body notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.
While this international debate unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that governments globally are increasingly content to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.
