The Australian decisive move to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are watching closely to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.
The European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a increasing group of countries are exploring similar measures.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and networks are "taking away our kids' childhood". The policy is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "one of the tools in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the president has asked lawmakers to pass a law raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Netherlands has advised parents to prevent their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic motion calling for a ban for minors without guardian approval is provided. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the move does not create mandatory rules.
"A clear age barrier is a good starting point," said one parliamentarian supporting the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach
Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in robust evidence".
Last year, interest built behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the topic.
Charities have expressed apprehensions. An organization set up by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after viewing harmful social media material suggests that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are appropriate and suitable for young users," stated a leading online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Decentralized Landscape
Across America, action is primarily unfolding at the state level due to federal stalemate.
- Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a measure prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has passed a rule capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further use requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills mandating parental consent for minors to open social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various figures to follow Australia's example, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Perspectives
Beyond these regions, additional states are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, global organizations strike a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might backfire". The body points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in safety.
While this international conversation evolves, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries show that policymakers around the world are no longer content to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.
