The Australian decisive action to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.
European Momentum
Across Europe, a growing chorus of states are exploring similar bans.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our kids' childhood". A law could be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "an options in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged the legislature to pass a bill lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a related step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a good starting point," said the European lawmaker driving the initiative.
Britain: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the administration has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in robust research".
Previously, support gathered behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration committed to conduct more studies the topic.
Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. One foundation set up by the relatives of a young person who was lost after viewing disturbing online content argues that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for children," said a leading peer.
The United States: A Decentralized Picture
In the United States, legislation is mostly unfolding at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a law banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has approved a regulation capping minors to one hour of social media access per day, with additional time requiring adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted laws demanding adult authorization for minors to set up social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from certain figures to copy this example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Global Views
Beyond Europe and the US, additional nations are also taking action.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.
However, global organizations take a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even backfire". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve safety.
Even as this global conversation unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and others indicate that governments globally are increasingly content to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.
