Australia's bold move to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are watching intently to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.
European Trend
In Europe, a growing number of countries are exploring comparable bans.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that phones and networks are "stealing our children's childhood". A law is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential options in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to approve a law increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in the Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding motion demanding a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is granted. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the step does not create mandatory rules.
"A strong age barrier is a solid starting point," commented one European lawmaker driving the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Eye
In the UK, the government has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in strong data".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. However, the administration vowed to investigate the matter.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. An organization founded by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after viewing disturbing social media material suggests that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to build products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," said a prominent child protection advocate.
The US: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, action is mostly unfolding at the state level due to national gridlock.
- Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a law restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra use dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws demanding parental consent for teenagers to open social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from various figures to copy the Australian path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.
International Views
Beyond the West, further countries are also exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, world bodies strike a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in safety.
While this global conversation unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and its followers indicate that states around the world are no longer content to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.
