The Australian controversial move to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Movement
In Europe, a rising group of states are moving toward comparable measures.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that phones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". A law is expected to be passed soon.
- The Norwegian government is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to pass a bill raising the access 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 related move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The government in The Dutch government has urged families to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a non-binding motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is granted. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age limit is a solid first step," said the European lawmaker driving the initiative.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in robust data".
Last year, momentum built behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the government pledged to conduct more studies the matter.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a girl who was lost after viewing harmful platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users turn 16.
"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are safe and fit for minors," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
America: A State-by-State Approach
Stateside, action is mostly unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of national inaction.
- The state of Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has passed a bill barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a regulation restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra use needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills mandating parental consent for minors to set up social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain individuals to follow Australia's example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Views
Beyond these regions, additional states are similarly considering moves.
- The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, international organizations strike a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could backfire". The agency points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this international conversation evolves, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that policymakers around the world are no longer content to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.
