Australia's controversial action to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are monitoring closely to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.
The European Momentum
Across Europe, a growing number of countries are considering similar measures.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that phones and networks are "taking away our kids' childhood". A law could be passed soon.
- Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the options in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has called on lawmakers to pass a bill raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Netherlands has advised guardians to block their children from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a advisory motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is given. While it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age limit is a good foundation," said one MEP behind the measure.
The UK: A Cautious Eye
Across Britain, the government has kept open a possible ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "based on robust data".
Previously, momentum gathered behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the government pledged to conduct more studies the topic.
Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the family of a teenager who died after being exposed to harmful platform posts suggests that a simple age ban may not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are appropriate and fit for children," said a influential peer.
The US: A Decentralized Landscape
Across America, regulation is mostly unfolding at the regional level against a backdrop of national inaction.
- Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law restricting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with additional access needing a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws mandating parental consent for under-16s to create social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from certain individuals to mimic this lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Global Outlook
Beyond Europe and the US, additional countries are also taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, global agencies adopt a more cautious position. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The body highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.
As this worldwide debate continues, the policies of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers globally are less and less content to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.
