🔗 Share this article

Australia's controversial policy to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are observing intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

Across Europe Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising number of states are considering parallel restrictions.

• The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and networks are "stealing our children's innocence". Legislation may be formalized soon.
• Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "a potential measures on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to pass a proposal raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a similar move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised families to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is given. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the step does not create enforceable legislation.

"An effective age barrier is a good foundation," stated one European lawmaker behind the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "supported by robust evidence".

Previously, support gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the government vowed to further research the matter.

Charities have voiced apprehensions. An organization set up by the loved ones of a young person who died after being exposed to harmful platform posts contends that a simple age ban may not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," said a influential online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, legislation is largely occurring at the state level amid country-wide stalemate.

• The state of Utah mandates 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 accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has approved a rule capping teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional use requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws demanding guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain figures to mimic Australia's path, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.

International Outlook

Apart from these regions, other states are similarly taking action.

• The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, world organizations adopt a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve safety.

While this worldwide debate evolves, the steps of Australia and several other countries indicate that states internationally are less and less content to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.