🔗 Share this article

The nation's controversial move to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are observing intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.

The European Momentum

In Europe, a rising number of nations are exploring parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". Legislation may be formalized soon.
• Norway is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "power of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential tools under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to pass a law increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The government in The Dutch government has urged parents to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a advisory statement supporting a ban for minors unless guardian approval is given. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the step does not establish mandatory rules.

"An effective age restriction is a good first step," said a leading parliamentarian driving the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

In the UK, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "supported by conclusive data".

Earlier, support grew behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. However, the government vowed to further research the issue.

Charities have voiced concerns. One foundation founded by the relatives of a girl who was lost after viewing disturbing platform posts argues that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people become eligible.

"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to design products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," said a leading child protection advocate.

The United States: A State-by-State Picture

Across America, action is primarily happening at the local level amid national stalemate.

• Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• The state of Florida has passed a law banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
• The state of Virginia has passed a rule limiting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with extra use requiring parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted measures mandating adult authorization for teenagers to create social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from some politicians to mimic the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

International Views

Apart from these regions, other nations are similarly considering moves.

• The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.

But, international organizations strike a more measured stance. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve safety.

While this international discussion unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and others show that governments globally are no longer prepared to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.