🔗 Share this article

The nation's controversial move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are watching closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.

The European Trend

In Europe, a rising number of states are considering parallel bans.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation is expected to be enacted next year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban could be "a potential measures under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the president has urged parliament to enact a law lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has advised guardians to block their youngsters from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding motion demanding a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the step does not create binding law.

"A strong age restriction is a useful first step," said one parliamentarian supporting the initiative.

Britain: A Cautious Eye

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".

Previously, support grew behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the government vowed to investigate the matter.

Campaign organizations have raised warnings. One foundation set up by the family of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to harmful online content suggests that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when teens turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are secure and fit for young users," commented a leading child protection advocate.

The United States: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, regulation is largely unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.

• Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has passed a law barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a law restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra use needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted measures demanding guardian approval for minors to create social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from various individuals to mimic Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Views

Apart from these regions, other countries are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

But, international organizations take a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The agency points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

As this worldwide discussion evolves, the steps of this nation and several other countries show that states around the world are increasingly prepared to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.