🔗 Share this article

The nation's controversial action to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are observing closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Movement

Across Europe, a rising number of nations are exploring similar bans.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' youth". The policy is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to enact a bill raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in the Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic statement demanding a ban for minors unless parental consent is granted. Although it highlights of the "addictive" design of these apps, the move does not establish mandatory rules.

"An effective age restriction is a solid first step," stated the parliamentarian supporting the initiative.

Britain: A Cautious Stance

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in conclusive data".

Previously, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. However, the government pledged to investigate the matter.

Advocacy groups have raised concerns. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to harmful online content suggests that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for children," stated a prominent child protection advocate.

The US: A Decentralized Picture

Across America, legislation is largely happening at the local government level due to national stalemate.

• The state of Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has passed a regulation capping minors to one hour of social media use per day, with additional time dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws mandating parental consent for minors to set up social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from various politicians to copy Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.

International Perspectives

Beyond Europe and the US, further nations are also considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, international bodies take a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The body notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve user protection.

Even as this global debate unfolds, the steps of this nation and others demonstrate that policymakers globally are less and less willing to delay for platforms to self-regulate.