🔗 Share this article

The Australian controversial action to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are observing closely to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.

European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are considering similar restrictions.

• The Danish government plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that phones and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". A law is expected to be formalized soon.
• Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential options in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to approve a law raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a related action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Dutch government has urged parents to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic motion calling for a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is granted. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the move does not enact binding law.

"A strong age limit is a solid starting point," said one European lawmaker behind the resolution.

The UK: A Watchful Eye

In the UK, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by conclusive evidence".

Previously, momentum built behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to investigate the matter.

Charities have voiced concerns. One foundation founded by the family of a girl who died after encountering harmful online content suggests that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to design tools that are secure and suitable for young users," commented a leading peer.

The United States: A Fragmented Landscape

Across America, action is mostly unfolding at the state level due to federal inaction.

• Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
• The state of Florida has passed a measure barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra access needing adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed bills mandating guardian approval for under-16s to create social media profiles.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from various individuals to follow the Australian path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

International Views

Outside of the West, additional states are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

However, world agencies take a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.

While this international conversation unfolds, the actions of this nation and others demonstrate that governments globally are increasingly willing to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.