The nation's decisive move to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are observing closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
Across Europe, a increasing number of countries are considering comparable restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that phones and apps are "taking away our kids' childhood". The policy may be formalized soon.
- Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the AI".
- The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban is "a potential options on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked the legislature to enact a law increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The government in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their kids from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a symbolic motion demanding a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is given. While it cautions of the "addictive" design of these apps, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.
"An effective age limit is a useful first step," stated one MEP behind the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye
In the UK, the administration has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in conclusive data".
Previously, support grew behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the government pledged to further research the matter.
Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. An organization founded by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous platform posts suggests that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when users become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to create products and services that are safe and suitable for minors," commented a prominent peer.
The US: A Fragmented Landscape
Stateside, legislation is mostly unfolding at the local government level amid country-wide inaction.
- Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has passed a bill banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has passed a regulation restricting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with any further access requiring a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills requiring parental consent for minors to set up social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain politicians to mimic this lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
International Perspectives
Outside of the West, additional countries are also taking action.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.
But, global agencies strike a more measured position. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.
Even as this international discussion continues, the actions of the Australian government and others demonstrate that governments globally are less and less prepared to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.
