Australia's bold policy to ban social media access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and families are observing closely to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.
Across Europe Momentum
Across Europe, a growing group of states are exploring comparable restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that smartphones and networks are "taking away our kids' innocence". A law is expected to be passed next year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential tools on the table".
- In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to approve a bill lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a comparable move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their children from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding motion supporting a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is granted. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age barrier is a good foundation," stated one MEP behind the measure.
Britain: A Cautious Eye
In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any action must be "based on strong data".
Previously, interest built behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration vowed to investigate the topic.
Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after viewing disturbing social media material argues that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.
"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for children," stated a influential peer.
The US: A Fragmented Picture
In the United States, legislation is primarily happening at the state level amid federal gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a law banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a law limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional access needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted measures mandating parental consent for under-16s to open social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from various figures to follow the Australian lead, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Perspectives
Beyond Europe and the US, other countries are also exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
However, global organizations take a more measured position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this international discussion continues, the actions of Australia and several other countries indicate that governments globally are increasingly content to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.
