The Australian decisive policy to ban social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Movement
In Europe, a growing number of states are considering comparable measures.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". A law could be enacted next year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "an tools on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to approve a law lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a related action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Netherlands has advised families to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic statement calling for a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is given. While it warns of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the step does not establish binding law.
"A strong age restriction is a useful first step," said a leading MEP driving the resolution.
The UK: A Watchful Stance
Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "based on strong research".
Last year, momentum grew behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the government committed to investigate the matter.
Charities have voiced concerns. An organization set up by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after encountering dangerous online content argues that a simple age ban might not 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 inability of the social media companies to create tools that are safe and suitable for young users," commented a prominent child protection advocate.
The United States: A Decentralized Picture
In the United States, regulation is primarily occurring at the local level against a backdrop of federal inaction.
- Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a measure barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has approved a law restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra access requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills demanding adult authorization for minors to create social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from some figures to mimic the Australian example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
International Views
Outside of the West, additional nations are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, global organizations adopt a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans carry risks and "may even backfire". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.
As this international debate unfolds, the actions of Australia and others indicate that states internationally are increasingly content to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.
