Australia's decisive move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are observing closely to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
Throughout Europe, a rising number of countries are considering comparable bans.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". The policy could be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "an options in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to enact a bill increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended families to block their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory resolution calling for a ban for minors without parental consent is provided. Even though it warns of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not enact binding law.
"A strong age barrier is a useful first step," said a leading parliamentarian supporting the initiative.
The UK: A Cautious Eye
Across Britain, the government has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in conclusive research".
Earlier, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the administration committed to further research the issue.
Charities have voiced concerns. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a young person who died after encountering dangerous platform posts argues that a strict age ban may not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when users become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for children," commented a prominent child protection advocate.
America: A Decentralized Approach
In the United States, legislation is largely occurring at the regional level due to federal inaction.
- Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a law prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a rule restricting minors to one hour of social media access per day, with any further access dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced bills requiring parental consent for under-16s to open social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from various figures to mimic Australia's path, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Global Views
Beyond Europe and the US, further countries are also exploring options.
- The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.
However, world agencies take a more cautious tone. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could backfire". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.
While this worldwide conversation continues, the steps of this nation and its followers show that states internationally are less and less content to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.
