The Australian bold policy to ban social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.
Across Europe Movement
Across Europe, a rising group of states are considering similar measures.
- The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that phones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". The policy may be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban is "an tools on the table".
- In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to enact a bill raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised families to prevent their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is given. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these services, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a good foundation," said one European lawmaker behind the initiative.
Britain: A Cautious Stance
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "based on conclusive research".
Last year, support grew behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the administration committed to conduct more studies the matter.
Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a young person who died after encountering harmful platform posts argues that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for young users," said a influential peer.
The US: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, legislation is primarily occurring at the state government level due to country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a law barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a rule restricting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with any further use needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills demanding parental consent for teenagers to create social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from some individuals to follow this example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.
International Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, further nations are similarly exploring options.
- The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, international agencies strike a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this global debate unfolds, the steps of Australia and several other countries indicate that states around the world are increasingly prepared to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.
