Australia's controversial policy to ban social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and families are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Movement
Across Europe, a growing group of countries are exploring similar bans.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that smartphones and apps are "stealing our children's innocence". The policy is expected to be passed next year.
- Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential tools on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked parliament to pass a proposal lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a similar action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it warns of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the move does not create binding law.
"An effective age limit is a useful first step," commented one European lawmaker behind the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "supported by robust research".
Last year, momentum built behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to investigate the matter.
Advocacy groups have raised warnings. A prominent charity established by the family of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous platform posts contends that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to build products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," commented a prominent child protection advocate.
America: A State-by-State Picture
In the United States, regulation is largely unfolding at the regional government level amid federal inaction.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a law banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a law limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional time needing adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws requiring guardian approval for teenagers to create social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from certain politicians to copy Australia's example, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Global Views
Outside of these regions, additional states are similarly considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.
But, international agencies strike a more measured stance. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
Even as this international conversation continues, the steps of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that policymakers around the world are increasingly content to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.
