The Australian bold policy to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and families are watching closely to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Trend
In Europe, a rising number of states are considering comparable bans.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that phones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' youth". A law is expected to be enacted next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an similar ban could be "a potential options on the table".
- In Spain, the president has asked parliament to approve a proposal lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Netherlands has urged families to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a advisory resolution demanding a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is provided. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the step does not create enforceable legislation.
"An effective age limit is a solid first step," said one European lawmaker behind the resolution.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye
In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in strong research".
Last year, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. However, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the topic.
Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. One foundation founded by the family of a teenager who died after being exposed to dangerous platform posts contends that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for minors," commented a leading peer.
The US: A State-by-State Approach
Across America, regulation is largely occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of national stalemate.
- The state of Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a law barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a law limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra access requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws requiring adult authorization for minors to open social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and calls from certain individuals to copy Australia's example, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Perspectives
Apart from these regions, other countries are similarly exploring options.
- The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, global bodies strike a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve user protection.
While this international debate evolves, the steps of Australia and several other countries show that governments internationally are increasingly prepared to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.
