The Australian decisive action to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and families are observing intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
The European Momentum
Across Europe, a increasing chorus of states are moving toward similar restrictions.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our kids' youth". A law could be formalized in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential options under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has asked parliament to enact a bill lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic statement supporting a ban for minors without parental consent is granted. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the step does not establish mandatory rules.
"An effective age restriction is a useful first step," commented a leading MEP driving the initiative.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but stressing any action must be "based on strong data".
Previously, momentum gathered behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the government committed to investigate the topic.
Advocacy groups have raised warnings. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a girl who died after encountering harmful platform posts contends that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when users turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are safe and fit for children," said a influential peer.
The United States: A State-by-State Landscape
In the United States, legislation is mostly occurring at the state level due to federal inaction.
- The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has signed a bill barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has passed a regulation restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further access requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed measures demanding parental consent for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from certain figures to copy Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Beyond these regions, additional states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.
However, global organizations adopt a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "might backfire". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve user protection.
Even as this international discussion unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries show that policymakers around the world are increasingly prepared to wait for the industry to self-regulate.
