Australia's decisive action to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.
The European Momentum
Across Europe, a rising number of nations are exploring similar bans.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our children's innocence". A law is expected to be formalized next year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "an tools on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has called on the legislature to approve a bill lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a non-binding motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is given. Although it highlights of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.
"An effective age limit is a solid starting point," said one European lawmaker behind the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Stance
In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any action must be "supported by conclusive evidence".
Previously, support built behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the government pledged to conduct more studies the issue.
Campaign organizations have raised warnings. An organization founded by the family of a girl who died after viewing disturbing online content argues that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when users turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to create products and services that are safe and age appropriate for minors," commented a leading child protection advocate.
The United States: A Decentralized Picture
In the United States, action is primarily occurring at the regional government level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.
- Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a bill barring under-14s from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a regulation limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra use needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed bills requiring parental consent for minors to open social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some individuals to copy this path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.
International Views
Beyond Europe and the US, other states are likewise exploring options.
- The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, international agencies adopt a more measured position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might backfire". The agency points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve user protection.
As this worldwide debate continues, the policies of the Australian government and its followers indicate that states around the world are increasingly willing to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
