🔗 Share this article

The nation's controversial policy to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and families are watching intently to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.

The European Movement

In Europe, a increasing group of nations are considering parallel restrictions.

• The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that smartphones and apps are "robbing our children's youth". The policy may be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "a potential measures on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has urged the legislature to enact a proposal lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a comparable move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The administration in the Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their children from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is given. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the step does not establish binding law.

"A strong age limit is a solid foundation," said the MEP driving the measure.

Britain: A Cautious Stance

Across Britain, the administration has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "based on robust research".

Last year, support built behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. However, the government vowed to conduct more studies the issue.

Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. An organization founded by the family of a girl who was lost after being exposed to dangerous online content contends that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are secure and fit for young users," commented a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A State-by-State Approach

In the United States, action is primarily happening at the regional government level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.

• The state of Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has signed a law prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a rule capping teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with extra time dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills demanding guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from certain individuals to follow Australia's example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.

International Perspectives

Beyond the West, other states are also taking action.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

However, global organizations strike a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even backfire". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.

Even as this international discussion evolves, the steps of the Australian government and its followers show that governments around the world are no longer prepared to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.