The Australian bold action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.
The European Trend
Throughout Europe, a rising number of nations are moving toward comparable bans.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our kids' youth". The policy could be passed next year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "an tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to pass a bill raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a comparable move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has urged guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it warns of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a solid foundation," commented one MEP driving the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach
Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "based on strong evidence".
Previously, support gathered behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government vowed to conduct more studies the issue.
Charities have voiced warnings. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a teenager who died after viewing disturbing online content suggests that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people turn 16.
"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for minors," commented a influential child protection advocate.
The US: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, action is primarily happening at the regional government level amid national stalemate.
- Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
- The state of Florida has passed a law banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law capping under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra use needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed bills requiring parental consent for minors to open social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from some figures to follow the Australian path, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Global Outlook
Outside of these regions, additional nations are also taking action.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.
However, global agencies take a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve safety.
As this global conversation continues, the actions of this nation and its followers indicate that policymakers around the world are less and less willing to delay for platforms to self-regulate.
