Australia's bold policy to restrict social media access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Momentum
Across Europe, a growing number of states are moving toward comparable bans.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our youngsters' youth". A law is expected to be enacted next year.
- Norway is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban is "an options on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to enact a bill lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in the Netherlands has urged parents to block their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is provided. While it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A clear age barrier is a good starting point," commented the parliamentarian behind the resolution.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye
Across Britain, the government has kept open a future ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in robust evidence".
Earlier, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. However, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the issue.
Campaign organizations have raised concerns. An organization set up by the relatives of a girl who was lost after being exposed to harmful online content argues that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are safe and age appropriate for minors," stated a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, legislation is primarily unfolding at the local government level amid country-wide stalemate.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a measure prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a law capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further use needing adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures demanding guardian approval for teenagers to create social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from certain politicians to copy Australia's path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Perspectives
Beyond Europe and the US, further states are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.
However, world bodies strike a more measured position. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The body highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.
As this global debate continues, the actions of this nation and several other countries indicate that states globally are increasingly prepared to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.
