🔗 Share this article

The Australian decisive policy to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

The European Momentum

Across Europe, a growing number of states are exploring comparable measures.

• The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that smartphones and apps are "stealing our kids' childhood". Legislation may be formalized next year.
• Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the measures under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has urged lawmakers to approve a law lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The government in the Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their children from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding motion calling for a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is provided. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"An effective age restriction is a solid first step," commented a leading European lawmaker supporting the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance

For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "supported by robust evidence".

Previously, interest grew behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the matter.

Charities have voiced concerns. An organization established by the relatives of a young person who was lost after viewing harmful platform posts argues that a simple age ban may not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when young people turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for young users," stated a influential online safety campaigner.

The United States: A State-by-State Approach

In the United States, legislation is mostly happening at the state level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.

• Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
• The state of Florida has passed a measure barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a law restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further use dependent on a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted bills requiring parental consent for minors to set up social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from some individuals to follow this example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

International Views

Outside of Europe and the US, further countries are also exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.

But, world agencies adopt a more measured tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The agency notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

Even as this worldwide discussion unfolds, the actions of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that governments internationally are no longer prepared to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.