Australia's decisive move to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Trend
Throughout Europe, a rising number of countries are considering comparable restrictions.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our children's innocence". A law could be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Officials have suggested that an similar ban is "one of the tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to approve a proposal raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The government in The Dutch government has urged parents to prevent their children from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a non-binding statement calling for a ban for minors except if guardian approval is granted. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the move does not create binding law.
"A clear age limit is a useful foundation," commented the MEP supporting the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the government has kept open a future ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "based on strong evidence".
Last year, support built behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the government vowed to conduct more studies the topic.
Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. One foundation set up by the family of a girl who was lost after encountering harmful online content argues that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to build tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," said a prominent peer.
The United States: A State-by-State Landscape
Stateside, legislation is mostly unfolding at the regional level due to country-wide inaction.
- Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a bill barring under-14s from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a rule capping minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further access dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws requiring adult authorization for minors to create social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from some individuals to copy this path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, further states are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.
However, world agencies adopt a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The body points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize safety.
While this international conversation evolves, the policies of Australia and several other countries indicate that governments around the world are less and less content to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.
