🔗 Share this article

Australia's controversial policy to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and families are observing closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.

The European Movement

Throughout Europe, a increasing group of countries are moving toward comparable measures.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that phones and platforms are "stealing our children's innocence". Legislation is expected to be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban is "an measures in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the president has called on parliament to enact a bill raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Dutch government has urged guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic motion calling for a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.

"An effective age barrier is a good foundation," commented the MEP behind the resolution.

The UK: A Cautious Approach

In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by strong evidence".

Previously, support built behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the government vowed to further research the topic.

Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. One foundation established by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after viewing harmful social media material contends that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are secure and age appropriate for young users," commented a influential online safety campaigner.

America: A State-by-State Approach

Stateside, action is mostly unfolding at the regional level due to country-wide stalemate.

• Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has passed a bill barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further access dependent on a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws demanding parental consent for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and calls from certain politicians to copy Australia's lead, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Perspectives

Apart from Europe and the US, other states are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, world organizations take a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in safety.

While this worldwide conversation evolves, the steps of this nation and several other countries indicate that policymakers around the world are less and less willing to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.