🔗 Share this article

Australia's controversial policy to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a growing number of states are considering parallel bans.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that phones and apps are "stealing our children's childhood". The policy is expected to be passed next year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban is "one of the options in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to enact a law lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a comparable action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has advised families to restrict their children from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is granted. While it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these services, the move does not create enforceable legislation.

"An effective age barrier is a solid first step," commented one parliamentarian supporting the initiative.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any action must be "supported by conclusive research".

Previously, interest grew behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to further research the matter.

Charities have voiced warnings. One foundation set up by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to harmful social media material suggests that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users turn 16.

"This ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to create tools that are secure and suitable for young users," stated a prominent peer.

The United States: A Fragmented Approach

Across America, legislation is largely unfolding at the state level due to federal stalemate.

• Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has passed a measure banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law restricting under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with additional use dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills demanding adult authorization for under-16s to create social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and calls from some individuals to mimic this example, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Outlook

Beyond the West, further nations are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.

However, international organizations strike a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The organization points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.

Even as this worldwide debate evolves, the policies of this nation and others demonstrate that policymakers internationally are increasingly prepared to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.