The Australian decisive policy to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and families are watching intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.
European Momentum
Across Europe, a rising chorus of nations are moving toward similar bans.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that smartphones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". A law could be enacted next year.
- Norway is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban is "an measures on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the president has called on the legislature to pass a bill raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Dutch government has urged parents to block their youngsters from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding statement supporting a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the step does not create enforceable legislation.
"A clear age barrier is a solid starting point," stated the parliamentarian driving the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any action must be "supported by strong research".
Earlier, interest gathered behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the administration vowed to investigate the topic.
Advocacy groups have raised warnings. One foundation established by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after viewing dangerous online content argues that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to design products and services that are appropriate and fit for children," commented a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, action is mostly unfolding at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.
- Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a law prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has passed a law capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra time needing parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced bills requiring guardian approval for minors to open social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and calls from various figures to mimic this example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Outside of the West, other nations are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, international agencies take a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The body highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.
While this worldwide conversation evolves, the actions of Australia and its followers indicate that policymakers internationally are less and less willing to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.
