Australia's controversial policy to ban social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
The European Movement
In Europe, a growing number of nations are considering parallel bans.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". A law is expected to be formalized next year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to approve a bill lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a advisory resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is provided. While it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the resolution does not create binding law.
"A clear age restriction is a useful foundation," said the MEP supporting the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Eye
Across Britain, the administration has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "based on robust evidence".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government committed to conduct more studies the issue.
Charities have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous online content argues that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when users turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to create products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," stated a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
Stateside, action is mostly happening at the local level amid country-wide stalemate.
- Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has passed a law barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a law limiting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with extra use dependent on parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed bills requiring adult authorization for under-16s to open social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from some individuals to copy Australia's lead, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Views
Beyond Europe and the US, further countries are likewise exploring options.
- The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.
But, international bodies take a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve safety.
As this global discussion evolves, the steps of the Australian government and others show that states globally are less and less content to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.
