The Australian bold policy to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
The European Movement
Across Europe, a growing group of nations are considering comparable measures.
- The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that phones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". The policy is expected to be enacted next year.
- Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential tools on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on parliament to approve a proposal lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a related step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The government in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory motion calling for a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is given. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age barrier is a solid foundation," stated a leading European lawmaker behind the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance
In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any action must be "grounded in robust data".
Earlier, support built behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the administration pledged to investigate the issue.
Campaign organizations have raised warnings. One foundation founded by the family of a young person who died after encountering disturbing social media material suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to build tools that are appropriate and fit for children," said a prominent peer.
The United States: A Fragmented Approach
Across America, action is mostly happening at the state level against a backdrop of national stalemate.
- Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has approved a regulation limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra time requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures requiring adult authorization for minors to open social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from certain politicians to follow the Australian path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Outlook
Apart from these regions, further nations are also considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, international bodies take a more measured position. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The body points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in safety.
As this international conversation unfolds, the actions of this nation and its followers show that governments internationally are less and less content to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.
