Australia's decisive policy to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are observing closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
European Momentum
In Europe, a growing group of states are moving toward comparable restrictions.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' youth". Legislation may be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an similar ban remains "a potential options on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to approve a proposal raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a comparable action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The government in The Dutch government has advised guardians to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic motion supporting a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is given. Although it warns of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the move does not establish mandatory rules.
"An effective age barrier is a useful starting point," stated the parliamentarian behind the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance
In the UK, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "supported by strong research".
Earlier, interest gathered behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the administration pledged to investigate the matter.
Charities have raised concerns. An organization established by the family of a teenager who died after viewing harmful social media material suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are safe and fit for minors," said a prominent peer.
The United States: A Decentralized Landscape
Stateside, regulation is mostly happening at the local level amid national inaction.
- Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a law banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
- The state of Virginia has approved a regulation restricting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with any further time requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted measures requiring parental consent for teenagers to set up social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and calls from some individuals to copy Australia's example, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Beyond the West, additional countries are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.
But, global organizations take a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve user protection.
Even as this global conversation evolves, the steps of Australia and others demonstrate that policymakers around the world are increasingly willing to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.
