🔗 Share this article

The Australian bold action to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are observing intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

The European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of countries are exploring parallel measures.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our children's innocence". The policy is expected to be formalized next year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "an tools in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has urged the legislature to enact a bill lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Dutch government has recommended families to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"A strong age barrier is a solid first step," said a leading parliamentarian driving the initiative.

The UK: A Cautious Eye

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in strong research".

Earlier, interest grew behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the administration committed to conduct more studies the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. One foundation established by the family of a teenager who died after encountering dangerous social media material argues that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," said a leading child protection advocate.

America: A Decentralized Landscape

In the United States, regulation is primarily occurring at the regional government level amid federal inaction.

• The state of Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• The state of Florida has signed a law prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a law restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional time needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed measures demanding parental consent for teenagers to create social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from various figures to mimic the Australian path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Perspectives

Apart from Europe and the US, other countries are likewise exploring options.

• The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.

However, global organizations take a more cautious stance. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.

Even as this global debate evolves, the actions of Australia and others indicate that states around the world are no longer content to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.