🔗 Share this article

The Australian bold action to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Movement

Throughout Europe, a increasing group of nations are considering comparable measures.

• The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that phones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation may be enacted next year.
• Norway is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "power of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "an measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to pass a law increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their kids from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is given. While it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the step does not establish binding law.

"An effective age limit is a good starting point," said a leading European lawmaker driving the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in robust evidence".

Previously, support gathered behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration vowed to further research the topic.

Advocacy groups have raised warnings. An organization established by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after encountering harmful social media material argues that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to build tools that are appropriate and suitable for minors," said a prominent peer.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

Across America, legislation is mostly unfolding at the regional level amid national inaction.

• Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has signed a law prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a rule restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further time dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced measures requiring guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some individuals to copy Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Global Views

Outside of Europe and the US, other nations are also exploring options.

• The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

But, international bodies take a more nuanced tone. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The body highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in safety.

As this global discussion evolves, the actions of this nation and several other countries show that policymakers around the world are increasingly willing to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.