Australia's bold policy to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are observing closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.
The European Trend
In Europe, a growing group of nations are exploring parallel bans.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that phones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' youth". The policy could be formalized next year.
- Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential options on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has called on parliament to enact a law lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The administration in the Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their kids from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for minors except if parental consent is provided. Although it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the step does not create binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a useful foundation," stated the MEP behind the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance
Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in strong evidence".
Last year, support built behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to further research the topic.
Charities have voiced concerns. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after encountering harmful social media material contends that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are safe and age appropriate for minors," commented a influential online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Decentralized Landscape
Across America, legislation is mostly unfolding at the regional government level due to country-wide stalemate.
- Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has passed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a law limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional time needing a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed laws demanding parental consent for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from various individuals to follow Australia's example, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of the West, other states are similarly exploring options.
- The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, world agencies take a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.
Even as this global discussion evolves, the policies of the Australian government and others demonstrate that governments globally are increasingly content to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.
