🔗 Share this article

The Australian bold move to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a increasing number of nations are moving toward similar bans.

• The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our kids' childhood". Legislation is expected to be enacted next year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential measures on the table".
• In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to pass a bill raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a comparable move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Dutch government has recommended families to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding motion supporting a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is given. While it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"A clear age restriction is a good starting point," commented the MEP supporting the initiative.

Britain: A Cautious Eye

In the UK, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "based on conclusive research".

Earlier, momentum grew behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the government vowed to conduct more studies the topic.

Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after being exposed to disturbing online content suggests that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are safe and fit for young users," commented a leading online safety campaigner.

America: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, action is largely happening at the regional level due to federal stalemate.

• Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has passed a bill barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has passed a regulation restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further time needing a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws requiring parental consent for minors to set up social media profiles.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from certain individuals to mimic the Australian lead, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Global Outlook

Beyond the West, additional states are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, international bodies take a more measured stance. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The organization points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

While this worldwide discussion continues, the actions of the Australian government and its followers show that policymakers globally are increasingly content to wait for platforms to self-regulate.