🔗 Share this article

The nation's bold move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are watching closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Movement

Across Europe, a growing number of states are exploring similar measures.

• The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that phones and networks are "stealing our kids' childhood". A law could be formalized next year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media users. Officials have suggested that an similar ban remains "a potential options in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to approve a bill raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a related action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their kids from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the move does not establish mandatory rules.

"A strong age limit is a solid first step," stated the European lawmaker behind the measure.

The UK: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "based on conclusive data".

Last year, momentum built behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the administration committed to conduct more studies the matter.

Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the family of a young person who took her own life after viewing dangerous online content contends that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens become eligible.

"This ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for minors," stated a influential child protection advocate.

The United States: A Decentralized Approach

Across America, action is primarily occurring at the state level against a backdrop of national stalemate.

• The state of Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a bill banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a rule restricting under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with additional time needing adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted measures demanding guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from certain individuals to mimic Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Global Views

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

• The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, global organizations strike a more measured stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.

While this worldwide debate unfolds, the steps of Australia and its followers demonstrate that states globally are no longer prepared to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.