🔗 Share this article

Australia's decisive move to ban social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.

The European Momentum

In Europe, a rising chorus of states are considering similar measures.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that smartphones and networks are "robbing our kids' youth". Legislation is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the options on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked the legislature to pass a proposal lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic motion demanding a ban for minors without guardian approval is granted. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A clear age limit is a useful first step," stated one parliamentarian driving the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "supported by conclusive data".

Previously, momentum built behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the matter.

Advocacy groups have raised warnings. A prominent charity founded by the family of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to harmful social media material argues that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," commented a leading peer.

The United States: A State-by-State Landscape

In the United States, regulation is mostly occurring at the local level due to country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a measure barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a law capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional use needing adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced bills requiring adult authorization for minors to set up social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and calls from certain individuals to mimic Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Perspectives

Beyond the West, further states are also considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, global organizations take a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "might backfire". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in safety.

As this global discussion evolves, the policies of this nation and several other countries show that governments around the world are increasingly prepared to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.