Could Additional States Emulate Australia's in Restricting Social Media for Teenagers Under 16?

The nation's bold policy to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Movement

Across Europe, a rising group of countries are considering parallel measures.

• The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that phones and platforms are "stealing our kids' childhood". A law could be enacted soon.
• Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential measures on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to pass a proposal lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has advised guardians to block their youngsters from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is granted. While it warns of the "addictive" nature of these services, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A clear age limit is a good foundation," stated the parliamentarian behind the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye

In the UK, the government has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "supported by conclusive evidence".

Last year, momentum built behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to further research the matter.

Campaign organizations have raised concerns. One foundation established by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after viewing disturbing online content argues that a strict age ban may not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people become eligible.

"This ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are appropriate and suitable for minors," said a leading online safety campaigner.

The US: A State-by-State Approach

Stateside, legislation is mostly occurring at the regional level due to federal gridlock.

• The state of Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• The state of Florida has passed a law banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation capping teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with extra time needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed measures demanding adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from some figures to copy the Australian path, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Outlook

Outside of Europe and the US, other countries are likewise taking action.

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

However, global bodies adopt a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The organization points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize safety.

Even as this worldwide discussion evolves, the policies of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers globally are increasingly willing to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.