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

The nation's controversial action to ban social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are watching closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.

The European Momentum

In Europe, a growing group of nations are exploring similar measures.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' youth". A law could be passed soon.
• Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential options under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to pass a proposal raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has advised parents to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a advisory resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the step does not create enforceable legislation.

"An effective age barrier is a useful foundation," stated a leading parliamentarian driving the resolution.

Britain: A Cautious Eye

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "supported by robust evidence".

Earlier, support grew behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. However, the administration pledged to further research the topic.

Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. One foundation founded by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after encountering harmful social media material argues that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to build tools that are safe and age appropriate for young users," commented a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A State-by-State Picture

Stateside, action is mostly happening at the regional level against a backdrop of national stalemate.

• Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has passed a law barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has passed a rule capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further time requiring parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed bills requiring guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from various politicians to copy the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Perspectives

Outside of these regions, further states are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, international bodies strike a more measured tone. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "could backfire". The agency points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.

As this international debate continues, the policies of Australia and others show that governments globally are less and less willing to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.