Australia's decisive policy to ban social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and families are watching intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.
The European Movement
Across Europe, a growing number of nations are exploring similar bans.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our youngsters' youth". A law could be enacted soon.
- Norway is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "power of the AI".
- The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban remains "a potential options under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to approve a bill lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Dutch government has recommended parents to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a advisory statement demanding a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is given. While it warns of the "compulsive" design of these services, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A clear age limit is a good foundation," said a leading parliamentarian behind the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance
Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by robust data".
Previously, interest grew behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the government pledged to further research the matter.
Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. An organization set up by the relatives of a teenager who died after viewing harmful platform posts contends that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are safe and fit for minors," said a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
Stateside, action is primarily unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a bill barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a law limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra access requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures requiring parental consent for minors to create social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from certain figures to mimic Australia's path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
International Outlook
Beyond Europe and the US, further countries are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, international bodies adopt a more measured tone. Unicef has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
While this global debate evolves, the policies of the Australian government and its followers show that governments internationally are less and less prepared to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.
