🔗 Share this article

The nation's controversial move to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are observing closely to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.

Across Europe Trend

Throughout Europe, a growing number of countries are moving toward parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that phones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". The policy may be enacted soon.
• Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an similar ban is "one of the measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has urged parliament to approve a proposal raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a similar step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a advisory resolution supporting a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is given. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.

"A clear age barrier is a useful first step," commented the MEP behind the initiative.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach

Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "based on strong research".

Previously, momentum grew behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration pledged to further research the issue.

Charities have expressed apprehensions. One foundation founded by the relatives of a young person who died after encountering disturbing platform posts contends that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to create tools that are secure and fit for young users," stated a leading online safety campaigner.

The United States: A State-by-State Landscape

In the United States, legislation is largely happening at the state level against a backdrop of national stalemate.

• Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a bill banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a rule limiting teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with additional access needing adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws mandating guardian approval for under-16s to create social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from various politicians to copy this example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

International Outlook

Beyond Europe and the US, other nations are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

But, global bodies strike a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.

As this worldwide conversation evolves, the steps of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that governments globally are increasingly content to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.