🔗 Share this article

The Australian decisive move to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a rising number of states are exploring comparable restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that phones and networks are "robbing our kids' childhood". The policy is expected to be passed in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "power of the AI".
• The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "an options under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to pass a bill increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a related step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their kids from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for minors except if parental consent is granted. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the move does not enact mandatory rules.

"A clear age barrier is a solid foundation," stated one European lawmaker supporting the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance

In the UK, the administration has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "supported by strong evidence".

Previously, support gathered behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the government pledged to further research the issue.

Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. A prominent charity founded by the family of a teenager who was lost after viewing harmful online content contends that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when teens turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are secure and fit for young users," said a leading online safety campaigner.

The United States: A State-by-State Picture

Stateside, regulation is mostly unfolding at the regional government level against a backdrop of national inaction.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has passed a law banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a law limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra access needing adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills mandating parental consent for minors to open social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from some politicians to copy this example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

International Perspectives

Apart from the West, further states are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

However, world agencies take a more measured position. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might backfire". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in user protection.

While this worldwide discussion unfolds, the steps of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that states around the world are increasingly prepared to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.