The Australian controversial action to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are watching intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.
The European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a growing number of nations are exploring parallel bans.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". Legislation could be enacted soon.
- Norway is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the measures on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the president has urged the legislature to approve a law raising the minimum age for joining 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 action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Dutch government has recommended parents to block their kids from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a symbolic motion supporting a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is given. While it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the move does not enact mandatory rules.
"A clear age barrier is a solid starting point," stated one MEP driving the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance
Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "supported by robust data".
Previously, momentum grew behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. However, the administration pledged to investigate the issue.
Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. One foundation established by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after viewing disturbing online content argues that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when young people turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to create tools that are secure and fit for young users," commented a prominent child protection advocate.
The United States: A Decentralized Landscape
Across America, action is primarily unfolding at the regional government level amid national inaction.
- Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has approved a law restricting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with extra time dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills demanding parental consent for teenagers to create social media profiles.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from certain individuals to follow Australia's example, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Perspectives
Apart from Europe and the US, further states are also exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, international agencies adopt a more cautious tone. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The body points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.
While this global discussion unfolds, the policies of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that states globally are no longer willing to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.
