Australia's decisive policy to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are observing closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
Across Europe, a increasing number of states are moving toward comparable restrictions.
- The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that phones and networks are "stealing our kids' youth". Legislation may be formalized soon.
- Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "an tools in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has called on parliament to approve a bill lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has urged parents to block their children from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a symbolic statement supporting a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is given. Although it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the move does not create mandatory rules.
"An effective age restriction is a solid first step," said one parliamentarian supporting the measure.
Britain: A Watchful Approach
For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "based on conclusive research".
Last year, momentum grew behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the government vowed to conduct more studies the matter.
Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. An organization founded by the family of a young person who died after encountering harmful platform posts argues that a strict age ban might not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are safe and suitable for children," said a prominent child protection advocate.
America: A State-by-State Approach
In the United States, regulation is largely happening at the local government level due to federal inaction.
- The state of Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has passed a law barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a rule capping minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further time needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills requiring guardian approval for minors to set up social media profiles.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from various politicians to mimic this example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.
International Outlook
Apart from the West, additional countries are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.
However, international bodies take a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The organization points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.
While this global conversation evolves, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that states around the world are less and less prepared to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.
