Australia's bold policy to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.
European Trend
Across Europe, a rising group of nations are exploring parallel measures.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". The policy could be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "an options in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to pass a proposal increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The government in the Netherlands has recommended families to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic motion demanding a ban for minors unless guardian approval is given. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the step does not create enforceable legislation.
"A strong age limit is a solid first step," commented a leading MEP behind the initiative.
Britain: A Cautious Approach
Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "supported by strong data".
Earlier, interest built behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the government pledged to further research the matter.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. An organization set up by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after viewing disturbing social media material argues that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users become eligible.
"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to build products and services that are appropriate and suitable for minors," stated a leading peer.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
In the United States, action is mostly happening at the state level due to national gridlock.
- Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a bill banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a rule restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra time needing parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws mandating guardian approval for under-16s to open social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and calls from various figures to follow this example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, further countries are similarly considering moves.
- The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.
However, global bodies take a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in safety.
While this worldwide debate continues, the actions of the Australian government and others indicate that policymakers around the world are no longer content to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.
