Australia's bold action to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
The European Movement
Across Europe, a growing number of countries are exploring comparable bans.
- The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that smartphones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". A law may be passed next year.
- Norway is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the tools on the table".
- In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to pass a proposal raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their children from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding statement calling for a ban for under-16s without parental consent is granted. Although it cautions of the "addictive" design of these services, the move does not create mandatory rules.
"A clear age limit is a solid starting point," said a leading parliamentarian behind the resolution.
Britain: A Watchful Stance
In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "based on robust data".
Last year, support grew behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the matter.
Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. An organization founded by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after viewing harmful online content argues that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create products and services that are secure and fit for young users," stated a influential peer.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
In the United States, action is primarily happening at the regional level amid country-wide stalemate.
- The state of Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has passed a law barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has approved a law restricting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with extra access requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced bills requiring guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media accounts.
Despite widespread concern and calls from various figures to follow the Australian path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Outlook
Beyond the West, additional countries are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, international organizations adopt a more cautious tone. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The body notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this international conversation evolves, the actions of Australia and several other countries indicate that governments globally are no longer content to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.
