🔗 Share this article

The Australian bold policy to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and parents are observing intently to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Movement

In Europe, a increasing group of states are exploring similar restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our kids' innocence". The policy may be passed in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "an measures on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on parliament to enact a bill raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a comparable move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has advised guardians to block their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding statement calling for a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is given. Although it highlights of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"A strong age barrier is a good foundation," said a leading MEP behind the measure.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye

In the UK, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in robust research".

Previously, interest gathered behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration pledged to further research the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. An organization established by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing online content argues that a strict age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when teens reach the legal age.

"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are safe and suitable for minors," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Landscape

Across America, action is primarily unfolding at the regional level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.

• Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a bill banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law capping under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional access needing adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws demanding parental consent for teenagers to create social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from certain politicians to follow the Australian path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Views

Apart from the West, further nations are also considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, world organizations strike a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The body notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.

As this global discussion evolves, the actions of Australia and its followers indicate that policymakers globally are increasingly willing to delay for the industry to self-regulate.