Australia's controversial policy to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are observing closely to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.
Across Europe Trend
Across Europe, a growing chorus of countries are moving toward similar measures.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that phones and networks are "stealing our kids' childhood". A law could be formalized soon.
- Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "an measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has urged parliament to pass a law raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised families to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic motion demanding a ban for minors without guardian approval is granted. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the move does not create enforceable legislation.
"An effective age barrier is a useful first step," stated one European lawmaker behind the measure.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "supported by robust evidence".
Last year, momentum grew behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the government vowed to conduct more studies the matter.
Advocacy groups have raised concerns. An organization set up by the relatives of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous platform posts contends that a strict age ban may not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for minors," stated a influential peer.
The United States: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, action is primarily unfolding at the regional government level amid national gridlock.
- Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a law capping minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further time dependent on adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed bills demanding guardian approval for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from various politicians to mimic Australia's example, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
International Outlook
Apart from these regions, other states are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.
But, global agencies adopt a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even backfire". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
As this worldwide debate continues, the actions of this nation and its followers indicate that governments around the world are increasingly content to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.
