The Australian bold policy to ban social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Momentum
Throughout Europe, a growing group of countries are moving toward comparable restrictions.
- The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that phones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". A law could be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the tools under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the president has urged lawmakers to enact a proposal lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a related step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Dutch government has urged families to block their kids from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic statement supporting a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is provided. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.
"An effective age barrier is a solid first step," stated a leading MEP supporting the initiative.
Britain: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the government has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "supported by strong evidence".
Earlier, momentum built behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government committed to investigate the topic.
Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. One foundation founded by the family of a young person who took her own life after encountering dangerous online content contends that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when users reach the legal age.
"This ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for children," stated a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Landscape
Stateside, action is largely occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of national stalemate.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a law capping under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with extra use needing parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced measures demanding guardian approval for minors to open social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from certain figures to mimic the Australian lead, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Views
Apart from Europe and the US, further nations are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.
However, global organizations adopt a more measured position. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The body highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.
As this worldwide conversation unfolds, the steps of Australia and its followers demonstrate that policymakers internationally are increasingly prepared to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
