The Australian decisive policy to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are watching intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Momentum
Across Europe, a growing group of countries are exploring parallel bans.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our kids' childhood". Legislation could be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "power of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an similar ban is "a potential options under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to pass a law increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Dutch government has urged guardians to block their youngsters 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 except if guardian approval is given. While it warns of the "addictive" quality of these services, the move does not enact binding law.
"An effective age barrier is a useful foundation," stated a leading European lawmaker supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in conclusive research".
Last year, interest built behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. However, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.
Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. An organization set up by the relatives of a young person who died after viewing disturbing online content suggests that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are appropriate and suitable for children," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, regulation is largely happening at the local government level amid country-wide stalemate.
- Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a law barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a law capping minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra use needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills demanding adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media profiles.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from some figures to mimic this example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
International Views
Outside of the West, other states are likewise considering moves.
- The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
However, world organizations adopt a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
As this worldwide conversation evolves, the steps of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that states around the world are increasingly prepared to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.
