The Australian decisive policy to ban social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are observing closely to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
Throughout Europe, a growing group of countries are moving toward comparable bans.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". Legislation is expected to be enacted next year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban remains "a potential options on the table".
- In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to pass a proposal lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The government in the Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is given. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the move does not establish mandatory rules.
"An effective age barrier is a useful foundation," commented the MEP supporting the initiative.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye
In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any action must be "supported by conclusive data".
Previously, momentum built behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration vowed to investigate the matter.
Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. One foundation founded by the relatives of a girl who was lost after viewing disturbing online content argues that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when teens turn 16.
"This ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are secure and fit for children," said a leading online safety campaigner.
The United States: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, action is largely unfolding at the state government level due to federal gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has passed a law prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further access dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced measures demanding parental consent for teenagers to set up social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from various figures to follow this lead, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
International Outlook
Outside of these regions, other countries are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, world agencies adopt a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "might backfire". The agency notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in user protection.
As this international discussion continues, the actions of Australia and its followers indicate that states around the world are no longer willing to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.
