🔗 Share this article

The Australian decisive action to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are monitoring intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Movement

Across Europe, a growing number of nations are exploring parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our children's youth". The policy may be enacted next year.
• Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "an tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to approve a law lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a related action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in The Dutch government has urged families to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a non-binding motion supporting a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.

"An effective age barrier is a useful first step," stated one parliamentarian supporting the initiative.

The UK: A Watchful Eye

In the UK, the government has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in strong data".

Earlier, interest grew behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. However, the government committed to conduct more studies the issue.

Charities have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the family of a young person who died after encountering disturbing social media material argues that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when teens turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are secure and suitable for minors," commented a prominent peer.

The United States: A State-by-State Landscape

Across America, regulation is mostly unfolding at the local level due to country-wide gridlock.

• Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• The state of Florida has signed a law barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation capping minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further access needing adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills requiring guardian approval for minors to open social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from certain politicians to mimic this lead, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, additional countries are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.

However, international agencies adopt a more measured stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "may even backfire". The agency notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.

While this worldwide discussion evolves, the policies of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers around the world are no longer prepared to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.