🔗 Share this article

The Australian bold policy to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are watching intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

Across Europe, a growing number of nations are considering parallel bans.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and networks are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". The policy could be passed next year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "influence of the AI".
• The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to enact a bill lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a similar step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The administration in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is given. Even though it warns of the "addictive" quality of these services, the move does not create enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a useful starting point," commented the European lawmaker supporting the initiative.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance

In the UK, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "supported by robust research".

Previously, interest built behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the administration committed to further research the topic.

Charities have raised apprehensions. One foundation set up by the relatives of a girl who died after being exposed to disturbing platform posts argues that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when young people become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," stated a influential child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Landscape

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

• The state of Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a bill banning under-14s from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has approved a rule restricting minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further time requiring a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures requiring parental consent for minors to open social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from various individuals to follow the Australian path, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

International Outlook

Beyond these regions, further countries are also taking action.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

But, international bodies take a more measured stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The body highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

Even as this international debate evolves, the actions of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that governments globally are increasingly content to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.