🔗 Share this article

The Australian decisive move to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are observing intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

European Momentum

In Europe, a growing chorus of countries are moving toward comparable measures.

• The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that smartphones and networks are "stealing our kids' youth". Legislation could be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an similar ban could be "one of the options in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to approve a proposal lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a related move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in the Netherlands has urged families to prevent their children from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a symbolic statement supporting a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is given. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not create binding law.

"A strong age restriction is a useful first step," said the European lawmaker supporting the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye

In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "supported by strong research".

Last year, support built behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the administration vowed to further research the topic.

Charities have expressed apprehensions. One foundation set up by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are secure and fit for minors," stated a leading peer.

The United States: A Fragmented Picture

In the United States, action is mostly unfolding at the state government level due to federal gridlock.

• Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has passed a law barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a law limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further access needing adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws demanding parental consent for teenagers to open social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from various politicians to mimic Australia's example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Perspectives

Apart from these regions, additional nations are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international bodies take a more nuanced tone. Unicef has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve user protection.

As this global discussion unfolds, the steps of this nation and its followers demonstrate that states internationally are increasingly content to wait for the industry to self-regulate.