The Australian decisive move to ban social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and families are observing with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
European Movement
In Europe, a growing chorus of states are exploring similar restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that smartphones and networks are "taking away our children's childhood". The policy could be formalized soon.
- Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "an options under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the president has asked parliament to enact a proposal raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has advised parents to block their children from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a advisory statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is provided. While it warns of the "addictive" quality of these services, the step does not create mandatory rules.
"A strong age barrier is a useful first step," stated one MEP behind the resolution.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance
Across Britain, the government has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by robust evidence".
Earlier, interest grew behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government committed to conduct more studies the matter.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after encountering dangerous online content suggests that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when users turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to design tools that are secure and age appropriate for young users," commented a influential online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Fragmented Approach
Across America, action is largely unfolding at the state government level due to country-wide stalemate.
- Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has signed a measure banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a rule limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional time needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures mandating guardian approval for minors to set up social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from certain figures to mimic this lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Outlook
Beyond the West, further states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, international organizations take a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might backfire". The body notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.
Even as this worldwide discussion continues, the steps of the Australian government and its followers show that policymakers around the world are less and less content to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.
