🔗 Share this article

The Australian decisive policy to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are watching closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Movement

Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of states are moving toward similar restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' youth". Legislation may be formalized in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to approve a law increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in the Netherlands has urged families to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age barrier is a solid starting point," commented the parliamentarian behind the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".

Previously, support built behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government committed to further research the topic.

Charities have voiced apprehensions. One foundation established by the loved ones of a young person who died after viewing dangerous social media material argues that a strict age ban may not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for minors," said a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A Decentralized Landscape

Across America, regulation is primarily happening at the local level against a backdrop of national stalemate.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has signed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra use needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed bills requiring parental consent for under-16s to create social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from some politicians to copy Australia's example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

International Perspectives

Outside of the West, further states are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, international organizations strike a more cautious tone. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The body points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve user protection.

Even as this worldwide discussion continues, the policies of Australia and its followers indicate that policymakers globally are less and less prepared to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.