Australia's bold action to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are watching intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Trend
In Europe, a increasing group of states are considering parallel measures.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that phones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". Legislation could be passed soon.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "an measures on the table".
- In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to enact a bill increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a related move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Netherlands has advised guardians to block their kids from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding motion demanding a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it warns of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the step does not establish binding law.
"An effective age barrier is a good starting point," said one European lawmaker supporting the initiative.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye
For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "supported by conclusive research".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the issue.
Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. An organization established by the family of a girl who took her own life after encountering harmful platform posts contends that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people turn 16.
"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for minors," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
The United States: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, legislation is mostly unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.
- Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a regulation restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional access requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted laws mandating adult authorization for under-16s to create social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and calls from some individuals to mimic the Australian path, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.
International Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, additional states are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, international organizations take a more cautious position. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
Even as this worldwide discussion continues, the actions of Australia and others indicate that states globally are less and less content to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.
