Australia's controversial action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and parents are watching intently to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.
Across Europe Movement
Throughout Europe, a growing group of countries are moving toward similar bans.
- The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that phones and networks are "robbing our children's innocence". A law could be enacted next year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "an tools on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to approve a proposal lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Dutch government has urged guardians to restrict their kids from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding statement calling for a ban for minors without parental consent is given. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age restriction is a useful first step," commented a leading parliamentarian supporting the initiative.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any action must be "supported by conclusive research".
Previously, interest built behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the administration vowed to investigate the matter.
Campaign organizations have raised concerns. One foundation set up by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after viewing dangerous social media material suggests that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when users become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are secure and age appropriate for minors," stated a leading online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Fragmented Landscape
In the United States, legislation is largely happening at the state level due to federal inaction.
- The state of Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a law barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule restricting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with additional use dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills mandating guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from various figures to follow this path, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Apart from these regions, other nations are likewise taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
However, world bodies take a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The body highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.
As this global conversation continues, the steps of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that states around the world are no longer willing to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.
