🔗 Share this article

The Australian decisive move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.

European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a growing number of countries are moving toward comparable bans.

• The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that phones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' youth". A law could be formalized next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban is "an measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to enact a law increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a related step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their kids from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding motion supporting a ban for minors without parental consent is given. While it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.

"A clear age limit is a useful foundation," said a leading MEP behind the measure.

Britain: A Watchful Stance

For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "supported by strong data".

Last year, interest gathered behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. However, the administration committed to conduct more studies the topic.

Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. One foundation established by the loved ones of a teenager who died after being exposed to dangerous social media material argues that a simple age ban may not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to design tools that are appropriate and fit for minors," stated a influential child protection advocate.

America: A Decentralized Landscape

In the United States, regulation is largely occurring at the regional government level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.

• The state of Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a measure prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has passed a rule capping teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with additional access requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills requiring parental consent for minors to set up social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from some individuals to follow the Australian path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Perspectives

Beyond these regions, additional states are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, world agencies take a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The body points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.

While this international conversation unfolds, the steps of this nation and others demonstrate that governments globally are less and less prepared to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.