Australia's bold action to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are observing closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
The European Movement
In Europe, a rising chorus of nations are exploring parallel bans.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' youth". A law could be formalized in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "one of the tools on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to pass a bill lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Netherlands has urged families to prevent their children from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.
"An effective age barrier is a good starting point," said one European lawmaker behind the resolution.
Britain: A Cautious Stance
For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a potential ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "supported by conclusive data".
Last year, momentum grew behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the government committed to further research the matter.
Charities have expressed warnings. One foundation established by the relatives of a girl who died after viewing disturbing social media material argues that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to create products and services that are secure and fit for minors," stated a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
Stateside, legislation is primarily unfolding at the state government level due to national inaction.
- The state of Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has passed a measure barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further use needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws requiring adult authorization for teenagers to open social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from various politicians to follow Australia's example, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Outlook
Apart from the West, further states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, international organizations adopt a more cautious stance. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The organization points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve safety.
While this global conversation unfolds, the steps of Australia and its followers show that policymakers around the world are less and less prepared to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.
