The Australian bold action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are observing intently to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.
Across Europe Trend
In Europe, a growing group of states are exploring comparable bans.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that phones and platforms are "taking away our children's youth". Legislation is expected to be passed soon.
- The Norwegian government is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential measures in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the president has called on parliament to pass a bill raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic statement demanding a ban for minors unless guardian approval is given. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the step does not enact binding law.
"A strong age restriction is a useful foundation," stated a leading MEP behind the measure.
Britain: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in robust data".
Earlier, interest built behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the government committed to further research the issue.
Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. One foundation set up by the family of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous social media material contends that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to create products and services that are safe and age appropriate for minors," commented a influential peer.
America: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, action is largely happening at the local government level amid federal inaction.
- Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has passed a measure barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a rule limiting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with extra use needing a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed measures demanding guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from certain figures to follow Australia's path, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Beyond the West, further countries are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, global agencies strike a more measured tone. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.
While this global conversation continues, the policies of the Australian government and others demonstrate that governments internationally are no longer content to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
