Australia's controversial move to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are observing closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.
The European Trend
Across Europe, a rising chorus of states are moving toward parallel restrictions.
- The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that smartphones and networks are "taking away our children's childhood". A law could be passed next year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban could be "a potential options under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged the legislature to enact a bill raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a symbolic statement calling for a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is granted. Although it warns of the "compulsive" design of these services, the move does not create mandatory rules.
"An effective age barrier is a good starting point," commented a leading European lawmaker behind the initiative.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "supported by conclusive evidence".
Previously, interest gathered behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration committed to further research the matter.
Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. One foundation founded by the family of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing online content contends that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens turn 16.
"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to build products and services that are safe and suitable for children," stated a prominent child protection advocate.
The United States: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, legislation is largely happening at the local level against a backdrop of federal inaction.
- Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a law banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a law limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further access needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed measures demanding parental consent for under-16s to create social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from certain figures to follow this path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
International Views
Apart from Europe and the US, other countries are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.
However, global agencies strike a more measured position. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The body points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this worldwide conversation continues, the policies of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that states around the world are no longer content to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.
