The Australian decisive action to ban social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.
European Trend
In Europe, a rising group of states are exploring parallel bans.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that phones and networks are "taking away our youngsters' youth". The policy may be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the tools in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on the legislature to pass a law increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a related action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has advised parents to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age limit is a good first step," commented the MEP driving the initiative.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "based on strong data".
Last year, momentum built behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the government pledged to further research the topic.
Charities have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the family of a young person who took her own life after encountering harmful social media material argues that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when users turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to create products and services that are safe and age appropriate for young users," stated a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A Fragmented Picture
In the United States, regulation is largely happening at the local government level due to country-wide stalemate.
- Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has signed a law prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with additional time requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws demanding guardian approval for minors to create social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from certain individuals to copy Australia's example, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Apart from Europe and the US, additional states are also taking action.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, international bodies take a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The body highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this international conversation continues, the steps of the Australian government and its followers show that states internationally are less and less content to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
