Australia's decisive action to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and parents are observing closely to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.
Across Europe Movement
Across Europe, a rising number of states are moving toward parallel bans.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation could be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban is "an measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to pass a law raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a similar action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The government in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is given. Although it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the step does not create mandatory rules.
"An effective age barrier is a useful first step," said the MEP supporting the initiative.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but insisting any action must be "grounded in robust data".
Earlier, momentum grew behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the issue.
Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. An organization set up by the family of a young person who died after viewing dangerous online content argues that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to create tools that are secure and age appropriate for children," commented a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
In the United States, action is primarily happening at the regional level amid national gridlock.
- The state of Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has signed a law barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a law limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional use requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted laws mandating parental consent for teenagers to create social media accounts.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from some individuals to mimic Australia's example, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.
International Perspectives
Outside of these regions, additional states are also taking action.
- The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.
But, international agencies take a more measured stance. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The body notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this global debate unfolds, the actions of Australia and several other countries show that policymakers internationally are increasingly content to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.
