The Australian bold move to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and families are watching with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.
European Movement
Throughout Europe, a increasing number of countries are exploring similar restrictions.
- The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that phones and networks are "robbing our children's innocence". A law could be formalized in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to approve a proposal lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is given. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the move does not create binding law.
"A clear age restriction is a useful first step," commented one MEP behind the resolution.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance
In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in robust evidence".
Last year, interest built behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the government vowed to investigate the matter.
Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after viewing dangerous social media material contends that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to design products and services that are secure and suitable for children," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Decentralized Approach
Across America, legislation is largely happening at the regional level due to national inaction.
- The state of Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has signed a law prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has passed a regulation capping under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with extra access dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed bills demanding parental consent for teenagers to create social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from various figures to mimic Australia's example, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, further states are also exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.
But, international organizations take a more measured position. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The body points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize safety.
As this worldwide conversation unfolds, the steps of this nation and others show that states internationally are no longer content to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.
