Might Additional States Pursue Australia's Example in Prohibiting Social Media for Under-16s?

The Australian decisive action to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

European Movement

Across Europe, a rising number of countries are considering parallel restrictions.

• The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that phones and platforms are "robbing our children's youth". The policy could be passed in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban could be "one of the tools in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has asked parliament to approve a law raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has urged guardians to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding motion supporting a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is given. While it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the step does not establish mandatory rules.

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

The UK: A Watchful Stance

In the UK, the government has kept open a future ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "based on strong evidence".

Previously, interest built behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the administration committed to conduct more studies the issue.

Charities have raised warnings. One foundation set up by the family of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous social media material contends that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens become eligible.

"This ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are safe and fit for children," commented a leading online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Fragmented Landscape

In the United States, action is largely unfolding at the local government level against a backdrop of national stalemate.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a bill barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has approved a law capping under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with any further time dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws mandating parental consent for under-16s to create social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from certain politicians to mimic this path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, additional nations are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, global organizations adopt a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "might backfire". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve safety.

While this global discussion evolves, the actions of Australia and several other countries indicate that states around the world are less and less prepared to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.