🔗 Share this article

Australia's bold move to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are observing intently to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.

European Momentum

In Europe, a rising number of nations are considering similar bans.

• The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that phones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". A law is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to pass a proposal lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a related action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised guardians to prevent their children from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a advisory resolution supporting a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is given. While it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not create binding law.

"An effective age barrier is a useful starting point," stated the MEP driving the measure.

Britain: A Cautious Stance

In the UK, the leadership has kept open a future ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by conclusive research".

Previously, momentum built behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the administration committed to further research the issue.

Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. One foundation founded by the family of a young person who took her own life after viewing harmful platform posts contends that a simple age ban may not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for children," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Fragmented Approach

Stateside, action is largely happening at the local level amid national inaction.

• The state of Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a rule capping minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further access needing parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws mandating adult authorization for minors to set up social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from certain figures to copy the Australian path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

International Perspectives

Outside of Europe and the US, other countries are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, international agencies strike a more measured position. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The body highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in user protection.

While this worldwide debate continues, the policies of Australia and several other countries indicate that policymakers globally are increasingly prepared to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.