🔗 Share this article

Australia's controversial move to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

The European Trend

In Europe, a growing chorus of states are moving toward comparable restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that phones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". Legislation may be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential tools on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged parliament to approve a proposal raising the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a related move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has urged families to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is provided. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.

"An effective age barrier is a good first step," commented the European lawmaker driving the resolution.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach

For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "supported by conclusive data".

Earlier, momentum gathered behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government vowed to further research the issue.

Charities have voiced warnings. An organization established by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to disturbing social media material argues that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to build tools that are secure and suitable for children," said a influential online safety campaigner.

The US: A State-by-State Landscape

Stateside, action is mostly happening at the state level amid country-wide stalemate.

• Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a rule limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra time requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted laws demanding parental consent for minors to set up social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from various individuals to mimic this path, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, additional countries are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.

But, world agencies strike a more measured stance. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "could backfire". The body notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize safety.

Even as this international conversation evolves, the policies of this nation and others demonstrate that states around the world are no longer content to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.