🔗 Share this article

Australia's decisive action to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of states are moving toward comparable bans.

• The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that smartphones and apps are "taking away our kids' innocence". The policy may be passed soon.
• Norway is set to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential options under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the president has urged parliament to pass a law lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended parents to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the move does not enact mandatory rules.

"A clear age restriction is a solid first step," stated a leading parliamentarian supporting the initiative.

Britain: A Watchful Approach

In the UK, the administration has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Previously, interest grew behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the government committed to investigate the topic.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. An organization set up by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous online content argues that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when users become eligible.

"This ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for young users," said a influential peer.

The United States: A Fragmented Picture

Stateside, action is mostly occurring at the regional level due to country-wide gridlock.

• Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• The state of Florida has signed a law banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra access dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills demanding guardian approval for minors to create social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from some figures to mimic this example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Global Perspectives

Outside of Europe and the US, other countries are also taking action.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.

However, international bodies adopt a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in user protection.

While this worldwide discussion continues, the policies of Australia and others demonstrate that states internationally are less and less willing to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.