Australia's bold move to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are watching intently to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.
The European Momentum
Across Europe, a growing chorus of states are moving toward similar measures.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation could be enacted soon.
- The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential measures on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has urged parliament to pass a bill increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a related action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Netherlands has urged families to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a advisory motion supporting a ban for minors without parental consent is given. Although it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the step does not create mandatory rules.
"A strong age limit is a good first step," stated a leading MEP behind the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the government has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any action must be "supported by conclusive evidence".
Earlier, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the government pledged to conduct more studies the issue.
Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. One foundation established by the family of a girl who died after viewing dangerous social media material argues that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," said a prominent peer.
America: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, legislation is mostly happening at the local level amid country-wide gridlock.
- The state of Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has passed a regulation limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra time requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures requiring guardian approval for minors to create social media profiles.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from various politicians to mimic Australia's example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
International Views
Beyond Europe and the US, further nations are also taking action.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, world agencies take a more measured tone. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve safety.
While this international debate continues, the actions of this nation and others show that governments internationally are less and less willing to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.