The Australian decisive move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Trend
In Europe, a rising group of countries are moving toward similar restrictions.
- The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' youth". Legislation is expected to be passed next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban is "an tools in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the president has called on the legislature to approve a law raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Netherlands has advised families to block their children from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is given. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A clear age barrier is a good foundation," stated the European lawmaker supporting the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Eye
In the UK, the government has remained open to a future ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in conclusive research".
Last year, interest built behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the administration committed to further research the topic.
Charities have voiced concerns. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to harmful social media material suggests that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users reach the legal age.
"This ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to create products and services that are secure and fit for young users," commented a prominent child protection advocate.
The United States: A Fragmented Approach
Across America, regulation is largely occurring at the regional government level amid country-wide gridlock.
- Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has signed a measure banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has approved a law capping minors to one hour of social media access per day, with additional access requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed measures demanding guardian approval for teenagers to create social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from some individuals to mimic Australia's example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Global Perspectives
Apart from Europe and the US, other states are similarly exploring options.
- The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.
But, global organizations take a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The body notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.
While this global conversation unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and its followers show that states globally are less and less content to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.
