The Australian bold policy to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are watching closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
The European Trend
Across Europe, a growing chorus of states are considering similar bans.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our kids' childhood". The policy may be formalized next year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban is "a potential measures on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the president has asked the legislature to approve a law increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The administration in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their children from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding statement calling for a ban for minors unless guardian approval is provided. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the move does not create binding law.
"A strong age limit is a good foundation," said the MEP supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach
Across Britain, the government has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in strong evidence".
Previously, support grew behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the matter.
Charities have voiced concerns. An organization set up by the family of a teenager who was lost after viewing harmful platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Landscape
In the United States, legislation is largely occurring at the local level due to country-wide gridlock.
- The state of Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a law prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has passed a law restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further use requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced bills mandating parental consent for minors to create social media accounts.
Despite widespread concern and calls from various individuals to mimic Australia's lead, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Perspectives
Beyond these regions, other countries are similarly exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, world organizations strike a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might backfire". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.
Even as this global debate continues, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries show that governments globally are less and less willing to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.