Australia's bold move to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are observing intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
The European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a rising number of states are considering comparable bans.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that phones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' youth". A law could be passed soon.
- The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have stated that an similar ban could be "one of the tools on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has called on parliament to pass a law lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Netherlands has advised families to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a advisory statement calling for a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is provided. While it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the move does not create mandatory rules.
"An effective age restriction is a good starting point," said the European lawmaker driving the resolution.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance
In the UK, the administration has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by robust research".
Last year, support gathered behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the government pledged to further research the issue.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. One foundation established by the family of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous platform posts suggests that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are secure and fit for young users," said a influential peer.
The US: A State-by-State Approach
Stateside, action is largely occurring at the local level against a backdrop of national inaction.
- Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a bill banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a law limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional use needing parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws demanding guardian approval for minors to create social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and calls from certain politicians to copy this lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Outlook
Outside of the West, additional countries are also exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, international bodies take a more nuanced position. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might backfire". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in safety.
Even as this international discussion continues, the steps of the Australian government and others show that governments around the world are no longer content to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.
