Australia's bold policy to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and families are monitoring closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.
The European Movement
Throughout Europe, a rising number of nations are considering parallel bans.
- The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our children's innocence". The policy may be formalized in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban could be "an tools in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to approve a law increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic motion calling for a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is granted. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.
"An effective age restriction is a solid first step," said a leading European lawmaker supporting the measure.
Britain: A Watchful Eye
In the UK, the administration has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "supported by robust data".
Last year, support gathered behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to further research the matter.
Charities have voiced concerns. A prominent charity founded by the family of a teenager who took her own life after encountering harmful social media material suggests that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to create tools that are appropriate and fit for young users," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, action is mostly happening at the regional level against a backdrop of national stalemate.
- The state of Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a bill banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has passed a law limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional time dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted laws mandating guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from some individuals to copy this path, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Views
Apart from these regions, other states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, global agencies take a more measured stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The body notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.
While this global debate evolves, the policies of this nation and its followers show that policymakers globally are no longer prepared to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.
