The Australian bold policy to ban social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.
Across Europe Momentum
Throughout Europe, a growing group of states are exploring comparable measures.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our kids' youth". Legislation is expected to be enacted soon.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban remains "one of the measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to enact a bill raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a similar step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their kids from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding motion demanding a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is given. While it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the move does not enact mandatory rules.
"A clear age restriction is a solid starting point," said one MEP supporting the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Eye
Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any action must be "based on conclusive evidence".
Last year, interest grew behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the government committed to investigate the issue.
Charities have voiced warnings. An organization set up by the relatives of a teenager who died after viewing disturbing online content argues that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for young users," said a influential child protection advocate.
The United States: A Fragmented Landscape
Stateside, legislation is primarily happening at the local government level due to national gridlock.
- Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a measure banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a law capping teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra time dependent on parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted measures requiring parental consent for teenagers to create social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various individuals to copy the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.
Global Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, additional countries are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.
However, global bodies strike a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.
While this global conversation evolves, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries show that governments around the world are increasingly willing to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.
