Could Other Countries Pursue Australia's in Banning Social Media for Youth Under Sixteen?

Australia's controversial move to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, campaigners, and parents are observing closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.

The European Momentum

In Europe, a rising group of nations are moving toward parallel restrictions.

• The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our children's youth". The policy may be passed next year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the tools on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to pass a proposal increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their children from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is provided. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.

"An effective age barrier is a solid first step," stated one European lawmaker supporting the measure.

The UK: A Watchful Approach

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "supported by conclusive research".

Previously, interest built behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the government vowed to investigate the topic.

Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. An organization founded by the family of a young person who was lost after encountering harmful online content contends that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when teens become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for children," commented a prominent peer.

The US: A Fragmented Landscape

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

• Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a measure banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has approved a regulation restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra time requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced measures demanding parental consent for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and calls from various politicians to follow Australia's lead, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Global Perspectives

Apart from these regions, additional states are also considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, global organizations strike a more nuanced position. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The agency notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve user protection.

While this international debate continues, the policies of Australia and several other countries indicate that policymakers globally are no longer content to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.