The Australian bold move to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a growing group of nations are considering parallel measures.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our kids' youth". Legislation could be passed soon.
- Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the options on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has asked lawmakers to approve a law lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Dutch government has urged parents to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is given. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the step does not establish mandatory rules.
"A clear age barrier is a solid first step," commented a leading parliamentarian supporting the measure.
Britain: A Watchful Eye
Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "based on conclusive data".
Previously, interest built behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government pledged to conduct more studies the topic.
Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after being exposed to dangerous platform posts argues that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when young people reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to create products and services that are secure and age appropriate for young users," stated a prominent peer.
America: A Fragmented Approach
Across America, legislation is primarily occurring at the state level amid country-wide stalemate.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has signed a law barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional time dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills demanding parental consent for under-16s to create social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from some politicians to copy this path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Perspectives
Outside of these regions, additional states are similarly considering moves.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, international organizations take a more measured stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even backfire". The organization notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve safety.
Even as this international debate evolves, the steps of Australia and several other countries indicate that policymakers around the world are less and less willing to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.
