Could Different Nations Emulate Australia's Example in Restricting Social Media for Under-16s?

The nation's controversial action to ban social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.

Across Europe Movement

Throughout Europe, a growing number of nations are moving toward similar bans.

• The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our children's innocence". A law could be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the tools on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to pass a law raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a related step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The government in the Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their children from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it warns of the "addictive" nature of these services, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.

"An effective age barrier is a useful starting point," said a leading MEP behind the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach

Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "supported by strong evidence".

Previously, support gathered behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the government committed to conduct more studies the issue.

Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. One foundation set up by the relatives of a young person who died after being exposed to harmful social media material suggests that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when users become eligible.

"This ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to create products and services that are appropriate and fit for minors," commented a prominent child protection advocate.

The US: A State-by-State Landscape

Stateside, action is primarily unfolding at the regional level against a backdrop of national inaction.

• Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law limiting minors to one hour of social media access per day, with extra use requiring a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws requiring guardian approval for minors to set up social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and calls from some figures to mimic the Australian path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Global Perspectives

Outside of Europe and the US, further states are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.

But, global agencies take a more measured tone. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve safety.

Even as this international debate continues, the policies of the Australian government and its followers indicate that governments globally are less and less willing to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.