The Australian bold action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.
The European Momentum
Across Europe, a rising number of countries are moving toward similar measures.
- The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our kids' youth". The policy could be enacted next year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the measures in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the president has urged parliament to pass a proposal lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Netherlands has urged families to prevent their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic motion supporting a ban for minors unless parental consent is given. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the resolution does not establish binding law.
"An effective age barrier is a useful first step," commented a leading European lawmaker driving the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye
In the UK, the government has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "based on conclusive evidence".
Earlier, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to investigate the issue.
Charities have voiced concerns. An organization established by the relatives of a girl who died after viewing dangerous online content argues that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for minors," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, action is largely happening at the regional level due to federal gridlock.
- Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a bill barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has passed a regulation limiting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with additional time needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted laws mandating guardian approval for minors to open social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from various individuals to copy this path, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.
Worldwide Outlook
Beyond these regions, further countries are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, world agencies take a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "could backfire". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.
Even as this global conversation evolves, the policies of Australia and others demonstrate that policymakers internationally are no longer prepared to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.
