The Australian decisive policy to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are watching closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of countries are exploring comparable bans.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". The policy is expected to be passed next year.
- Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the options in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has urged the legislature to approve a bill increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Dutch government has advised families to prevent their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a advisory motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is given. Although it warns of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the step does not enact binding law.
"A strong age restriction is a good starting point," commented a leading parliamentarian behind the initiative.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
Across Britain, the government has kept open a future ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in conclusive research".
Last year, interest grew behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the government pledged to investigate the topic.
Charities have expressed warnings. An organization established by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after encountering disturbing online content argues that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when users become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to build tools that are safe and age appropriate for minors," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.
America: A Decentralized Approach
Across America, regulation is mostly happening at the state level due to national inaction.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a bill barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a law capping minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional time requiring a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws mandating guardian approval for under-16s to open social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various individuals to mimic the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Perspectives
Outside of the West, other nations are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, international agencies adopt a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.
As this worldwide conversation continues, the policies of Australia and several other countries indicate that policymakers globally are no longer content to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.
