🔗 Share this article

The nation's controversial action to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.

The European Movement

Across Europe, a increasing number of nations are considering parallel bans.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and networks are "stealing our kids' youth". A law may be enacted next year.
• Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "power of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an similar ban remains "an measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to approve a bill increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a related step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The government in the Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory motion calling for a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is given. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a good first step," stated a leading MEP supporting the resolution.

The UK: A Cautious Stance

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "based on conclusive evidence".

Earlier, interest grew behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. However, the administration vowed to further research the topic.

Charities have voiced warnings. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after viewing disturbing platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to build products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," stated a leading online safety campaigner.

America: A Decentralized Approach

Stateside, action is largely occurring at the state government level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a bill barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation capping under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with additional access dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted measures demanding adult authorization for teenagers to open social media profiles.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from some figures to follow this lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Views

Apart from the West, other countries are also considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.

However, world agencies strike a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.

As this international discussion unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that states internationally are increasingly willing to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.