The Australian decisive action to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.
European Movement
In Europe, a rising number of states are considering comparable restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our children's youth". The policy could be enacted soon.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the tools in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on the legislature to pass a proposal raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a related action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has advised parents to block their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic statement supporting a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is provided. Even though it warns of the "addictive" design of these services, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a good foundation," stated a leading MEP driving the resolution.
Britain: A Cautious Approach
For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a possible ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in strong data".
Last year, momentum built behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the administration committed to further research the matter.
Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. An organization founded by the family of a teenager who was lost after encountering harmful platform posts contends that a simple age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are safe and fit for young users," said a influential peer.
The United States: A State-by-State Landscape
Stateside, action is primarily happening at the regional government level against a backdrop of national gridlock.
- Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a measure banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has approved a law limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional use requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws mandating guardian approval for teenagers to open social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from various politicians to copy Australia's example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Global Views
Beyond Europe and the US, additional states are also exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.
However, global bodies take a more nuanced position. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The body notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
As this global debate continues, the policies of Australia and its followers show that policymakers around the world are no longer willing to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.
