The Australian controversial move to ban social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are watching intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.
The European Momentum
In Europe, a rising group of states are exploring similar bans.
- The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and networks are "stealing our kids' youth". The policy may be passed in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to pass a proposal raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Netherlands has advised parents to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for minors without guardian approval is granted. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the step does not establish binding law.
"A strong age barrier is a good foundation," said the European lawmaker supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye
Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "supported by conclusive evidence".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the matter.
Charities have expressed concerns. An organization founded by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after viewing dangerous platform posts argues that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to create tools that are safe and fit for young users," commented a leading peer.
The US: A State-by-State Landscape
Stateside, legislation is primarily happening at the state level amid country-wide stalemate.
- The state of Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a law restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra use dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced bills mandating parental consent for teenagers to create social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from some politicians to mimic Australia's path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Apart from these regions, additional states are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.
But, world agencies take a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The organization points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve user protection.
Even as this international debate unfolds, the actions of this nation and its followers show that policymakers internationally are less and less content to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.
