🔗 Share this article

The Australian decisive policy to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and families are observing with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.

European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a increasing number of states are exploring parallel measures.

• The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that phones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". The policy could be enacted soon.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "an options on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged parliament to enact a law raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their children from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a advisory motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is provided. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"An effective age restriction is a useful starting point," commented a leading parliamentarian supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance

Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "based on conclusive data".

Previously, interest gathered behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the government committed to investigate the issue.

Charities have voiced concerns. One foundation established by the family of a teenager who died after encountering disturbing platform posts argues that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when users turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," commented a leading peer.

The US: A Decentralized Approach

Stateside, legislation is largely unfolding at the local level due to national stalemate.

• The state of Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has passed a bill prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a rule capping minors to one hour of social media use per day, with extra access needing adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws requiring parental consent for under-16s to open social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from various individuals to copy Australia's example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.

International Views

Apart from Europe and the US, other nations are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, international bodies adopt a more measured stance. Unicef has advised that social media bans have downsides and "could backfire". The agency points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.

While this global discussion evolves, the steps of this nation and its followers show that policymakers around the world are increasingly content to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.