Australia's bold action to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Trend
Across Europe, a rising number of nations are exploring similar measures.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that smartphones and apps are "robbing our kids' youth". Legislation could be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "an measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to pass a bill lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a related step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in the Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding motion calling for a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it warns of the "addictive" design of these services, the step does not enact binding law.
"An effective age barrier is a solid starting point," said one parliamentarian supporting the initiative.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in robust data".
Earlier, support built behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the matter.
Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. An organization established by the loved ones of a teenager who died after viewing dangerous social media material suggests that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are safe and fit for young users," said a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Landscape
Across America, legislation is largely happening at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.
- Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a bill barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has passed a law capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra time dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced bills mandating adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from certain individuals to copy the Australian path, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Outlook
Beyond Europe and the US, other states are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, global agencies adopt a more measured tone. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could backfire". The body notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve safety.
While this global discussion evolves, the steps of Australia and several other countries indicate that governments globally are increasingly prepared to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.
