🔗 Share this article

The Australian bold move to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Trend

Across Europe, a rising chorus of countries are exploring parallel bans.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that phones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' youth". Legislation is expected to be formalized next year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the measures in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on the legislature to approve a bill raising the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a related action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has urged families to block their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding motion supporting a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is given. Although it warns of the "addictive" design of these services, the step does not enact mandatory rules.

"An effective age restriction is a good first step," stated one parliamentarian behind the measure.

Britain: A Watchful Stance

In the UK, the government has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "based on conclusive data".

Earlier, support built behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the administration committed to further research the issue.

Charities have raised concerns. One foundation established by the family of a young person who died after being exposed to disturbing social media material argues that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are secure and age appropriate for minors," stated a leading child protection advocate.

The United States: A State-by-State Landscape

In the United States, action is primarily happening at the regional government level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.

• Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has passed a law prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further time needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced measures requiring adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media profiles.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from some politicians to follow this lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Perspectives

Outside of these regions, further nations are also considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.

But, world organizations adopt a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve safety.

Even as this worldwide discussion evolves, the policies of this nation and several other countries indicate that policymakers around the world are less and less willing to wait for the industry to self-regulate.