The nation's bold action to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.
European Movement
Across Europe, a increasing group of nations are exploring similar measures.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our kids' childhood". The policy is expected to be passed in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to enact a bill increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Dutch government has recommended parents to block their youngsters from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is provided. Although it warns of the "addictive" quality of these services, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.
"An effective age barrier is a good first step," said a leading MEP driving the initiative.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance
Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "based on robust evidence".
Last year, support gathered behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the government vowed to conduct more studies the issue.
Charities have voiced concerns. An organization established by the family of a girl who took her own life after encountering dangerous social media material suggests that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when users become eligible.
"This ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to build tools that are appropriate and fit for minors," stated a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A Fragmented Picture
In the United States, legislation is largely unfolding at the state level amid federal inaction.
- The state of Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a law banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a law restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further access dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed laws requiring guardian approval for minors to open social media accounts.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from various politicians to copy this path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Global Perspectives
Outside of Europe and the US, other states are likewise considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.
However, global bodies strike a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The body points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize safety.
While this global discussion unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that governments internationally are increasingly willing to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
