Australia's decisive move to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are observing intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
In Europe, a rising chorus of states are exploring comparable bans.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that phones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". The policy may be passed next year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "an options in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has asked lawmakers to enact a bill raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a non-binding statement demanding a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is granted. While it warns of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the move does not enact binding law.
"A clear age limit is a good first step," commented a leading parliamentarian behind the measure.
Britain: A Watchful Approach
Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "based on conclusive evidence".
Earlier, interest grew behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the administration committed to investigate the issue.
Charities have raised warnings. One foundation established by the relatives of a girl who died after being exposed to disturbing online content argues that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to create tools that are secure and suitable for children," commented a leading peer.
America: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, action is mostly happening at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a rule capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra use dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws demanding adult authorization for under-16s to create social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain politicians to copy this lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.
International Views
Apart from these regions, other nations are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, world organizations adopt a more cautious position. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.
As this international discussion continues, the actions of the Australian government and others indicate that states internationally are less and less content to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.
