The Australian decisive action to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are watching closely to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.
The European Movement
Throughout Europe, a increasing group of states are considering parallel bans.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our kids' youth". Legislation may be enacted soon.
- Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "one of the measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to enact a law raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a related step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their children from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for minors except if parental consent is given. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the move does not create mandatory rules.
"A strong age barrier is a solid foundation," said the parliamentarian driving the resolution.
The UK: A Watchful Stance
For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a future ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but stressing any action must be "supported by conclusive data".
Previously, interest built behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the administration committed to investigate the matter.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a young person who died after viewing disturbing social media material contends that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for children," said a prominent peer.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, regulation is primarily occurring at the local level due to country-wide stalemate.
- Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a bill barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a law capping teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further use needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws mandating parental consent for under-16s to set up social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from certain politicians to follow Australia's example, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Apart from the West, further nations are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, world bodies adopt a more measured position. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might backfire". The organization notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.
While this international conversation unfolds, the actions of Australia and others demonstrate that governments globally are no longer content to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.
