Australia's decisive policy to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
Throughout Europe, a growing group of nations are moving toward similar bans.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that phones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". Legislation is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "a potential options under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to approve a bill increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their children from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding statement supporting a ban for minors without parental consent is provided. While it highlights of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age barrier is a solid first step," said a leading European lawmaker behind the measure.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "based on strong evidence".
Earlier, support built behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government committed to conduct more studies the matter.
Advocacy groups have raised warnings. An organization founded by the relatives of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous social media material contends that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are appropriate and fit for young users," said a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A State-by-State Picture
In the United States, legislation is primarily unfolding at the local level amid national stalemate.
- The state of Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a measure barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a law capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional access requiring parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed bills mandating adult authorization for under-16s to open social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from certain politicians to follow Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of these regions, further countries are also exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, global agencies strike a more cautious stance. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could backfire". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
As this global debate unfolds, the policies of this nation and others show that governments internationally are increasingly willing to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.
