Might Additional Countries Emulate Australia's Example in Prohibiting Online Networks for Under-16s?

The Australian controversial move to ban social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

European Momentum

Across Europe, a growing chorus of states are considering similar bans.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our children's childhood". The policy could be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the options in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to enact a law lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has advised families to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"A clear age barrier is a useful foundation," stated a leading MEP behind the resolution.

The UK: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the government has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any action must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Earlier, interest built behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration committed to conduct more studies the topic.

Charities have raised warnings. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a girl who died after being exposed to dangerous platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," commented a prominent peer.

The United States: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, legislation is largely happening at the local level due to federal inaction.

• The state of Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a measure barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a law capping under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional use needing adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed measures requiring parental consent for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from certain politicians to copy Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Perspectives

Apart from the West, further states are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.

However, international bodies strike a more nuanced stance. Unicef has warned that social media bans have downsides and "could backfire". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve safety.

While this international debate evolves, the policies of Australia and its followers demonstrate that policymakers around the world are increasingly willing to delay for platforms to self-regulate.