The Australian bold policy to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are observing intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.
European Momentum
In Europe, a growing number of countries are exploring similar bans.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' youth". Legislation is expected to be passed next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential options in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to approve a bill raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a similar move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic statement supporting a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the move does not create binding law.
"A strong age restriction is a useful foundation," said a leading MEP behind the resolution.
Britain: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "based on conclusive research".
Last year, interest grew behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to investigate the topic.
Campaign organizations have raised concerns. An organization set up by the relatives of a young person who was lost after viewing harmful platform posts argues that a simple age ban may not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are secure and suitable for young users," said a leading peer.
America: A State-by-State Picture
In the United States, legislation is mostly occurring at the state level against a backdrop of federal inaction.
- Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a bill banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a rule limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional access requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed bills mandating guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and calls from some individuals to copy the Australian path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
International Perspectives
Outside of the West, additional nations are likewise taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, world agencies strike a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The agency points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
As this global conversation evolves, the policies of this nation and others indicate that states internationally are less and less prepared to delay for platforms to self-regulate.
