Australia's controversial action to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a rising chorus of states are considering parallel bans.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our youngsters' youth". Legislation may be passed next year.
- Norway is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "manipulative force 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 Australian-model ban remains "one of the tools on the table".
- In Spain, the president has asked parliament to approve a proposal raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The government in The Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a advisory resolution supporting a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is provided. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not enact binding law.
"An effective age limit is a good foundation," commented one MEP behind the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance
In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "based on strong evidence".
Last year, support gathered behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government vowed to conduct more studies the issue.
Charities have raised warnings. A prominent charity established by the family of a young person who died after being exposed to harmful online content suggests that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to create tools that are appropriate and fit for young users," said a prominent peer.
America: A Decentralized Landscape
In the United States, action is largely occurring at the state government level against a backdrop of federal inaction.
- The state of Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a measure banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a regulation limiting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with any further time needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills requiring guardian approval for minors to open social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from certain individuals to follow Australia's path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
International Views
Beyond the West, additional states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.
However, international bodies take a more measured tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.
While this international discussion continues, the steps of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers globally are increasingly content to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.
