🔗 Share this article

The Australian controversial action to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are watching intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.

Across Europe Trend

Across Europe, a growing number of states are moving toward parallel bans.

• The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that phones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation could be enacted in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the tools on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the president has called on the legislature to pass a bill increasing the minimum 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 recommended a related action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their youngsters from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a advisory statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is provided. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the step does not establish mandatory rules.

"A strong age restriction is a good starting point," stated one European lawmaker supporting the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

In the UK, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by conclusive data".

Earlier, interest grew behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to investigate the issue.

Charities have expressed warnings. One foundation founded by the family of a girl who took her own life after viewing dangerous social media material contends that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to design products and services that are appropriate and suitable for minors," said a prominent child protection advocate.

The United States: A State-by-State Approach

Stateside, regulation is primarily unfolding at the local government level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has passed a bill barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a rule limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional access needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted laws demanding guardian approval for minors to create social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from various individuals to follow this lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Outlook

Outside of the West, further nations are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.

But, world bodies take a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The body notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve safety.

While this worldwide debate evolves, the steps of the Australian government and others indicate that governments internationally are increasingly prepared to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.