Australia's decisive move to ban social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and parents are watching closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Trend
Across Europe, a growing number of states are exploring parallel measures.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that smartphones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation is expected to be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to 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 indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "an options in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the president has urged lawmakers to enact a bill increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Dutch government has advised families to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is provided. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the step does not create mandatory rules.
"A clear age limit is a solid first step," commented one parliamentarian driving the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance
For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any action must be "supported by conclusive data".
Last year, support grew behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration pledged to further research the topic.
Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. One foundation set up by the family of a young person who died after being exposed to disturbing online content suggests that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to design tools that are secure and age appropriate for young users," commented a prominent peer.
America: A State-by-State Approach
In the United States, action is mostly occurring at the state government level due to federal stalemate.
- Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a law prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a rule limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional time dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced bills mandating adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain individuals to mimic the Australian example, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.
International Outlook
Outside of the West, additional countries are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.
However, international bodies adopt a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could backfire". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve user protection.
Even as this worldwide debate evolves, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries show that policymakers internationally are increasingly willing to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.
