🔗 Share this article

The Australian decisive policy to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising group of states are moving toward comparable restrictions.

• The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our kids' childhood". A law could be enacted soon.
• Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "influence of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "an options on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to pass a bill lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in The Dutch government has recommended families to restrict their children from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a advisory resolution demanding a ban for minors without parental consent is granted. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the move does not establish binding law.

"A clear age limit is a good foundation," commented one MEP supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance

In the UK, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "based on conclusive evidence".

Previously, momentum grew behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the administration committed to conduct more studies the topic.

Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. A prominent charity established by the family of a young person who died after encountering disturbing online content suggests that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when young people become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are appropriate and fit for young users," stated a influential online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Approach

Across America, legislation is mostly happening at the local level against a backdrop of national stalemate.

• Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a law barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a law limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further use requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted laws demanding adult authorization for minors to set up social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from various figures to follow the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

International Outlook

Beyond Europe and the US, other states are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, international bodies take a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even backfire". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.

While this international conversation evolves, the actions of this nation and several other countries show that policymakers around the world are increasingly willing to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.