Australia's controversial move to ban social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Momentum
Across Europe, a rising number of nations are exploring parallel restrictions.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our children's youth". A law is expected to be enacted next year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the options under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to approve a proposal lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised families to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for minors unless guardian approval is granted. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the resolution does not enact binding law.
"An effective age limit is a good starting point," said a leading parliamentarian supporting the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a future ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any action must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".
Last year, interest built behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the government committed to investigate the topic.
Charities have voiced warnings. One foundation established by the relatives of a teenager who died after viewing disturbing platform posts suggests that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when users turn 16.
"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to create products and services that are secure and fit for children," said a prominent peer.
America: A Fragmented Picture
In the United States, action is mostly happening at the state government level amid country-wide gridlock.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has passed a law capping minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra access dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws requiring guardian approval for minors to create social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain politicians to follow Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Global Views
Outside of these regions, other countries are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, international organizations strike a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
While this international conversation unfolds, the policies of this nation and others show that states around the world are less and less willing to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.
