The Australian controversial action to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a rising group of states are exploring similar restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our children's youth". A law is expected to be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the AI".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "an options on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has urged lawmakers to enact a bill increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has advised parents to block their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a symbolic statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is given. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A strong age limit is a good first step," said a leading MEP driving the initiative.
The UK: A Watchful Stance
For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in robust data".
Last year, interest built behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the government vowed to conduct more studies the topic.
Advocacy groups have raised warnings. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a young person who was lost after viewing disturbing social media material contends that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when users turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for minors," said a influential child protection advocate.
America: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, legislation is primarily occurring at the local level amid national stalemate.
- Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a measure prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a law limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra time dependent on adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws mandating parental consent for under-16s to create social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from some individuals to mimic the Australian path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.
International Views
Outside of the West, other nations are also exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
However, international agencies strike a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in safety.
Even as this international debate continues, the steps of Australia and others show that policymakers internationally are no longer prepared to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
