The Australian bold policy to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.
The European Movement
Across Europe, a rising number of countries are exploring parallel bans.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that phones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". The policy is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the measures on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to approve a law lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Netherlands has urged families to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic statement demanding a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a useful first step," said the MEP driving the resolution.
Britain: A Cautious Eye
Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a future ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any action must be "supported by robust research".
Previously, momentum built behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. However, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the matter.
Campaign organizations have raised concerns. A prominent charity established by the family of a young person who died after being exposed to disturbing online content suggests that a simple age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for children," said a leading peer.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
Stateside, regulation is mostly happening at the regional level due to federal inaction.
- Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a law barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a law limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional access dependent on a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed measures requiring parental consent for under-16s to set up social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from various politicians to copy Australia's example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
International Outlook
Outside of the West, additional nations are also taking action.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, world organizations adopt a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could backfire". The body points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
While this international debate continues, the steps of this nation and its followers demonstrate that policymakers around the world are less and less willing to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.
