🔗 Share this article

The Australian bold policy to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are watching closely to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are considering similar restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that phones and apps are "robbing our kids' innocence". Legislation is expected to be enacted next year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to pass a law increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has urged guardians to restrict their children from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is provided. While it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a good first step," said the European lawmaker supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye

In the UK, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but stressing any action must be "based on robust research".

Earlier, interest grew behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the government pledged to investigate the matter.

Campaign organizations have raised concerns. An organization set up by the family of a girl who was lost after being exposed to dangerous online content argues that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to design products and services that are secure and age appropriate for children," said a prominent child protection advocate.

The United States: A Decentralized Landscape

Across America, regulation is primarily occurring at the regional government level amid country-wide inaction.

• Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a measure banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• The state of Virginia has approved a regulation restricting minors to one hour of social media access per day, with extra use dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced bills mandating adult authorization for minors to create social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from various individuals to mimic the Australian path, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.

International Perspectives

Beyond Europe and the US, other nations are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.

But, global organizations take a more nuanced tone. Unicef has advised that social media bans carry risks and "might backfire". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in safety.

While this international discussion evolves, the actions of this nation and several other countries indicate that policymakers internationally are increasingly prepared to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.