Australia's controversial policy to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are watching intently to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.
European Movement
Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of nations are considering comparable bans.
- The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that phones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' youth". The policy is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to enact a proposal lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a comparable step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their children from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding 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 binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a useful first step," stated the parliamentarian supporting the measure.
The UK: A Cautious Stance
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "based on conclusive research".
Earlier, interest built behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the administration pledged to investigate the issue.
Charities have voiced warnings. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a teenager who died after being exposed to dangerous platform posts suggests that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to build tools that are safe and fit for young users," stated a influential online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Decentralized Approach
In the United States, regulation is mostly happening at the regional level amid national inaction.
- Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has passed a bill banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has passed a law restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further access requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills requiring guardian approval for minors to create social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from some individuals to follow this example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Global Views
Beyond Europe and the US, additional countries are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, global agencies strike a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in user protection.
As this global debate unfolds, the policies of this nation and its followers indicate that states internationally are less and less willing to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.
