The Australian bold policy to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are observing closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a rising group of countries are exploring parallel measures.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". The policy may be formalized next year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "a potential tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to enact a law lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a related move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The administration in the Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their children from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is provided. Although it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the step does not create enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a solid first step," said one European lawmaker behind the measure.
The UK: A Cautious Eye
Across Britain, the government has kept open a future ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "based on strong evidence".
Previously, interest gathered behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. However, the government committed to further research the issue.
Advocacy groups have raised concerns. One foundation established by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous platform posts argues that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users reach the legal age.
"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to build products and services that are secure and suitable for children," commented a leading child protection advocate.
The United States: A Decentralized Approach
In the United States, regulation is mostly occurring at the state level amid national gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a measure banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a rule capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further time needing adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced measures demanding adult authorization for minors to open social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from some figures to mimic the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Beyond these regions, other states are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, world organizations take a more measured stance. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could backfire". The body points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.
As this international discussion continues, the steps of this nation and several other countries show that policymakers around the world are increasingly prepared to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.
