Australia's bold move to ban social media access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are observing closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
Throughout Europe, a rising group of nations are considering parallel measures.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that phones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". The policy is expected to be passed next year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "one of the measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to pass a law lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The government in The Netherlands has advised families to block their youngsters from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is provided. While it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the move does not enact mandatory rules.
"A clear age restriction is a useful first step," stated the parliamentarian supporting the initiative.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach
For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "based on conclusive research".
Earlier, support gathered behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the government vowed to further research the issue.
Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. An organization set up by the relatives of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to build products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," stated a prominent child protection advocate.
America: A Fragmented Approach
Stateside, action is largely occurring at the state level amid national gridlock.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a law prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a rule limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional time dependent on a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills mandating guardian approval for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from various individuals to mimic Australia's example, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Global Views
Beyond these regions, further countries are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, international organizations adopt a more nuanced position. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could backfire". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.
While this international debate unfolds, the policies of Australia and its followers indicate that governments around the world are increasingly willing to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.
