🔗 Share this article

The Australian decisive move to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Momentum

Across Europe, a rising chorus of nations are considering similar bans.

• The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". A law is expected to be passed next year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "one of the options in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to enact a bill lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a similar action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has advised guardians to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is given. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a useful foundation," commented one parliamentarian supporting the resolution.

The UK: A Watchful Stance

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "based on strong data".

Last year, support built behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. However, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the matter.

Charities have expressed apprehensions. An organization founded by the family of a girl who was lost after being exposed to dangerous online content argues that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when young people reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to design tools that are safe and suitable for children," stated a leading peer.

America: A State-by-State Approach

In the United States, action is largely occurring at the local level due to country-wide inaction.

• Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a measure barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a law limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra time dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed bills requiring adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from certain individuals to follow the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Global Views

Outside of these regions, additional nations are also exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, global organizations strike a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.

While this worldwide discussion continues, the policies of Australia and others show that governments globally are less and less content to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.