The Australian bold move to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are watching intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Movement
In Europe, a increasing number of nations are considering parallel bans.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that smartphones and networks are "stealing our children's childhood". The policy is expected to be passed next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "power of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an similar ban could be "an options under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to approve a law lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a related move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Dutch government has advised guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is provided. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the step does not establish mandatory rules.
"A strong age limit is a useful first step," stated one parliamentarian behind the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in robust evidence".
Previously, momentum grew behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. However, the government pledged to conduct more studies the matter.
Charities have voiced concerns. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after being exposed to disturbing online content contends that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to create products and services that are secure and suitable for young users," stated a leading peer.
America: A State-by-State Landscape
Across America, action is largely unfolding at the local government level amid federal gridlock.
- Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has signed a law barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a law limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra use dependent on adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills demanding adult authorization for minors to set up social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some individuals to copy Australia's path, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.
International Perspectives
Beyond the West, further states are also taking action.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, international bodies adopt a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The body points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.
As this international conversation evolves, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers internationally are increasingly content to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.
