Might Other States Pursue Australia's Lead in Banning Social Media for Under-16s?

The nation's bold action to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are watching intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

European Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising number of countries are moving toward similar measures.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that phones and networks are "stealing our children's innocence". Legislation could be enacted soon.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential options under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the president has called on the legislature to pass a proposal raising the access 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 move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has urged families to block their youngsters from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is given. While it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the move does not establish binding law.

"An effective age limit is a useful starting point," said a leading MEP driving the measure.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye

In the UK, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "based on robust data".

Last year, interest grew behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the government vowed to conduct more studies the topic.

Advocacy groups have raised concerns. One foundation founded by the relatives of a girl who died after encountering disturbing platform posts contends that a strict age ban may not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to create products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," commented a leading online safety campaigner.

America: A Fragmented Picture

In the United States, regulation is mostly unfolding at the state level due to country-wide stalemate.

• Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has passed a measure banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a law limiting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with additional time dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures mandating guardian approval for minors to open social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from certain figures to mimic the Australian example, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.

International Outlook

Beyond the West, further states are also exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, international agencies adopt a more nuanced stance. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The body notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve safety.

Even as this global debate unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that governments internationally are increasingly willing to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.