Might Additional Countries Emulate Australia's Example in Banning Social Media for Under-16s?

The Australian decisive move to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a growing chorus of states are exploring similar measures.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our kids' childhood". The policy could be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to pass a proposal increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in the Netherlands has advised parents to block their children from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a non-binding motion calling for a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is provided. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not create binding law.

"A clear age restriction is a solid first step," stated one parliamentarian driving the initiative.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye

For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "based on strong evidence".

Last year, support grew behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. However, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the issue.

Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. An organization established by the family of a teenager who took her own life after viewing disturbing social media material suggests that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to create tools that are secure and fit for children," stated a prominent peer.

The US: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, legislation is largely occurring at the state level amid country-wide inaction.

• Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a measure banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a law restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional use dependent on parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws mandating adult authorization for minors to set up social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from some politicians to mimic this path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Global Views

Outside of these regions, further countries are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

But, world bodies strike a more measured tone. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The body points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in safety.

While this international discussion evolves, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that states around the world are less and less content to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.