The Australian controversial action to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, campaigners, and families are observing with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
The European Movement
In Europe, a growing group of states are moving toward parallel bans.
- The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our kids' childhood". The policy could be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "influence of the AI".
- The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "an tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to enact a bill raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to block their youngsters from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic motion supporting a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is given. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the step does not create mandatory rules.
"A strong age limit is a good first step," said the parliamentarian driving the measure.
Britain: A Watchful Stance
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "based on strong data".
Last year, interest grew behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.
Campaign organizations have raised warnings. An organization established by the relatives of a young person who died after being exposed to harmful social media material suggests that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.
"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to create tools that are safe and fit for minors," said a leading online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Decentralized Landscape
Across America, action is primarily unfolding at the regional level against a backdrop of national gridlock.
- The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has approved a regulation restricting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with additional time dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws requiring parental consent for minors to create social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various figures to mimic Australia's example, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Views
Apart from the West, additional states are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, global organizations take a more measured position. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The body notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
Even as this global discussion evolves, the actions of this nation and several other countries show that governments around the world are no longer prepared to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.
