Australia's bold policy to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
Throughout Europe, a growing group of nations are exploring similar bans.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that phones and platforms are "taking away our kids' childhood". A law is expected to be passed soon.
- Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the tools in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on parliament to pass a bill lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a related move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has advised families to block their youngsters from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding statement calling for a ban for minors except if parental consent is given. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the move does not create binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a solid foundation," commented a leading parliamentarian behind the measure.
Britain: A Watchful Approach
Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "based on robust data".
Previously, interest built behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the topic.
Charities have voiced warnings. One foundation established by the family of a girl who was lost after viewing dangerous social media material argues that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when users become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to build tools that are appropriate and suitable for minors," said a influential peer.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
Stateside, legislation is largely unfolding at the local level due to country-wide gridlock.
- Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has signed a law barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a law capping minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra time needing parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced laws mandating parental consent for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from some politicians to mimic this lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Perspectives
Beyond Europe and the US, other countries are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, global agencies adopt a more measured stance. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in safety.
Even as this worldwide discussion unfolds, the actions of this nation and several other countries indicate that policymakers internationally are no longer content to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.
