Australia's decisive move to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.
European Momentum
In Europe, a growing chorus of states are moving toward similar measures.
- The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that phones and platforms are "robbing our kids' childhood". Legislation may be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "an options on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged parliament to pass a bill lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Dutch government has urged guardians to prevent their kids from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A clear age restriction is a solid starting point," stated the MEP behind the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach
Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "based on strong data".
Last year, interest built behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government committed to conduct more studies the matter.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. One foundation set up by the family of a teenager who took her own life after viewing dangerous social media material suggests that a simple age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to build products and services that are appropriate and fit for children," stated a influential online safety campaigner.
America: A Decentralized Picture
Stateside, action is mostly unfolding at the regional level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.
- Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has signed a law banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has approved a law limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further access dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed measures demanding guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from some politicians to mimic this path, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.
Global Views
Apart from the West, further countries are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.
However, global bodies strike a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The body highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
Even as this global discussion continues, the policies of Australia and others show that governments globally are increasingly content to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.
