The Australian controversial policy to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and families are observing closely to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Momentum
Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of states are moving toward parallel measures.
- The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that phones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' youth". The policy may be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is set to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "an measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to enact a law increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has urged parents to block their kids from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is given. While it warns of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not establish binding law.
"An effective age restriction is a useful first step," stated a leading parliamentarian driving the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Eye
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "based on conclusive evidence".
Last year, support grew behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the government vowed to investigate the matter.
Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. An organization founded by the family of a young person who took her own life after encountering harmful platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people turn 16.
"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," stated a leading online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Fragmented Landscape
In the United States, legislation is largely unfolding at the state level due to country-wide gridlock.
- Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a bill barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has approved a law capping under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with additional time requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced laws demanding parental consent for teenagers to set up social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from certain figures to mimic this lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
International Perspectives
Beyond the West, other countries are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
However, global organizations strike a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.
While this global conversation evolves, the steps of the Australian government and others demonstrate that governments globally are less and less content to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.
