The Australian decisive policy to ban social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Momentum
Across Europe, a rising group of states are moving toward similar measures.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our kids' childhood". A law could be formalized soon.
- Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has urged parliament to pass a bill raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised families to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not establish binding law.
"A clear age restriction is a good first step," said the parliamentarian driving the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance
Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "grounded in robust research".
Previously, momentum gathered behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the administration committed to conduct more studies the topic.
Charities have voiced apprehensions. An organization established by the relatives of a young person who was lost after encountering disturbing social media material suggests that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to create tools that are secure and fit for children," commented a leading peer.
The US: A State-by-State Landscape
Across America, legislation is mostly occurring at the local level due to national stalemate.
- Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has passed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a regulation restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra time requiring a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted measures requiring guardian approval for minors to set up social media accounts.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from some individuals to mimic this path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Views
Beyond Europe and the US, additional states are also taking action.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, world agencies strike a more cautious tone. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The body points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.
While this international discussion continues, the steps of Australia and its followers demonstrate that policymakers internationally are increasingly content to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.
