🔗 Share this article

The Australian bold policy to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

European Trend

In Europe, a growing chorus of states are exploring parallel restrictions.

• The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that smartphones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' youth". The policy may be formalized soon.
• Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "power 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 similar ban could be "one of the options under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on parliament to pass a proposal lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has advised parents to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding statement supporting a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.

"An effective age restriction is a solid starting point," commented the parliamentarian driving the initiative.

The UK: A Cautious Stance

In the UK, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "supported by conclusive research".

Previously, momentum built behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration pledged to investigate the matter.

Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. One foundation established by the family of a young person who died after viewing harmful social media material argues that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are safe and fit for minors," stated a prominent peer.

America: A Decentralized Picture

Across America, regulation is mostly happening at the local level against a backdrop of federal inaction.

• The state of Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a regulation limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional use needing parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed laws requiring guardian approval for minors to open social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from certain individuals to mimic Australia's example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.

International Views

Apart from these regions, additional nations are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, international bodies adopt a more cautious position. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The body points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in user protection.

Even as this global discussion unfolds, the actions of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that governments internationally are less and less willing to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.