Australia's bold policy to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and families are watching closely to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.
European Momentum
In Europe, a growing number of states are considering comparable restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that phones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' youth". Legislation is expected to be enacted soon.
- The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential options in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the president has called on the legislature to pass a proposal raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a related action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic motion supporting a ban for minors except if parental consent is granted. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" design of these services, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A clear age barrier is a useful starting point," said the MEP behind the resolution.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in conclusive data".
Earlier, support grew behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to investigate the topic.
Charities have voiced concerns. One foundation set up by the family of a teenager who took her own life after viewing disturbing online content argues that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens reach the legal age.
"This ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are safe and fit for minors," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, regulation is primarily unfolding at the state level amid national inaction.
- Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a law prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has approved a rule capping under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional time needing a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws requiring guardian approval for minors to set up social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from various figures to copy Australia's path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of these regions, additional states are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, world agencies take a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even backfire". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
As this global debate unfolds, the actions of Australia and others show that states around the world are no longer prepared to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.
