🔗 Share this article

Australia's bold action to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are watching closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

The European Movement

Throughout Europe, a growing number of nations are considering parallel restrictions.

• The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our kids' childhood". The policy could be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban remains "a potential measures on the table".
• In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to pass a bill lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their kids from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic statement demanding a ban for under-16s without parental consent is provided. Although it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the move does not create mandatory rules.

"A strong age barrier is a good starting point," stated the MEP behind the initiative.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a future ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in robust data".

Previously, support grew behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. A prominent charity established by the family of a young person who was lost after being exposed to dangerous platform posts argues that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are safe and fit for children," stated a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Approach

Across America, action is primarily occurring at the regional level amid federal inaction.

• Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
• The state of Florida has passed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a rule restricting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with additional use dependent on adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced measures requiring parental consent for under-16s to open social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from certain politicians to follow this lead, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Perspectives

Outside of the West, additional states are also exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, world organizations strike a more cautious tone. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might backfire". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.

As this global discussion unfolds, the policies of this nation and several other countries show that governments around the world are less and less prepared to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.