Australia's bold policy to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are observing intently to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.
European Momentum
In Europe, a rising chorus of states are moving toward parallel bans.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that smartphones and networks are "robbing our children's youth". Legislation is expected to be enacted next year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "power of the AI".
- The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential measures on the table".
- In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to pass a law raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a non-binding motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is granted. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the move does not establish binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a good foundation," commented a leading MEP behind the resolution.
Britain: A Watchful Approach
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by conclusive data".
Earlier, interest grew behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the administration pledged to investigate the topic.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after viewing harmful online content suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are appropriate and suitable for minors," commented a leading child protection advocate.
The United States: A Fragmented Approach
Stateside, legislation is largely unfolding at the local level amid federal stalemate.
- Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a measure prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further access dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed laws demanding guardian approval for under-16s to create social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from certain individuals to copy Australia's example, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
International Outlook
Apart from these regions, other countries are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.
However, world organizations take a more measured position. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "might backfire". The body highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve user protection.
As this global conversation continues, the steps of the Australian government and others demonstrate that states around the world are increasingly prepared to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.
