Australia's controversial move to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, campaigners, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
The European Movement
Across Europe, a rising number of states are exploring similar measures.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that phones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". Legislation may be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to pass a proposal lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The administration in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their children from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is provided. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the move does not create mandatory rules.
"A clear age limit is a good first step," said one MEP supporting the resolution.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "based on conclusive research".
Previously, interest grew behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after viewing dangerous online content suggests that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens turn 16.
"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to build products and services that are secure and age appropriate for children," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
The United States: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, action is mostly happening at the regional level due to national gridlock.
- Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
- The state of Florida has passed a law barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a law capping minors to one hour of social media access per day, with additional use dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed bills demanding adult authorization for minors to set up social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from certain individuals to copy the Australian example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Global Views
Outside of these regions, other states are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, world organizations adopt a more measured tone. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The body notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.
As this global debate evolves, the actions of Australia and its followers show that policymakers internationally are increasingly prepared to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.
