Australia's bold action to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and families are observing intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.
European Trend
Across Europe, a growing number of nations are exploring comparable bans.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that phones and apps are "robbing our children's youth". Legislation could be enacted in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an similar ban remains "an options under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to approve a proposal lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a similar move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a advisory motion calling for a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the step does not enact binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a good starting point," stated one European lawmaker supporting the initiative.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance
In the UK, the government has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".
Previously, support gathered behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. However, the government pledged to further research the issue.
Charities have voiced warnings. One foundation set up by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after viewing dangerous social media material argues that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people turn 16.
"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," stated a influential peer.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
Across America, action is largely happening at the state government level due to federal inaction.
- The state of Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a bill banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has passed a law limiting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with any further use dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills requiring adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from some figures to copy Australia's example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.
International Perspectives
Outside of these regions, additional countries are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, global agencies strike a more measured tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could backfire". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in safety.
As this international conversation unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and its followers indicate that states around the world are increasingly prepared to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.
