The Australian decisive move to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and families are observing closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
European Movement
Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of countries are exploring parallel measures.
- The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that phones and platforms are "robbing our children's youth". The policy could be enacted soon.
- Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential options in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to pass a law increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is given. While it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.
"A strong age restriction is a good starting point," commented a leading European lawmaker supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye
Across Britain, the administration has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in strong data".
Previously, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the administration pledged to further research the issue.
Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. An organization founded by the loved ones of a girl who died after being exposed to disturbing online content suggests that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for minors," stated a prominent child protection advocate.
The United States: A State-by-State Approach
Across America, legislation is largely occurring at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.
- Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a measure barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has approved a law limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further use needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted measures mandating adult authorization for teenagers to open social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some politicians to follow this path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Beyond these regions, further states are likewise exploring options.
- The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.
However, global bodies strike a more cautious stance. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The body notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.
As this global conversation unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that governments around the world are less and less content to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.
