Will Additional States Follow Australia's Example in Prohibiting Social Media for Under-16s?

The nation's decisive action to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.

European Trend

Throughout Europe, a growing number of states are considering similar restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that phones and platforms are "stealing our kids' innocence". Legislation is expected to be enacted next year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban could be "one of the tools on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to approve a law increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for minors except if parental consent is granted. Although it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the move does not create mandatory rules.

"A strong age restriction is a solid foundation," commented the European lawmaker driving the measure.

The UK: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "supported by strong data".

Previously, interest built behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the administration committed to conduct more studies the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. An organization established by the loved ones of a girl who died after being exposed to disturbing social media material suggests that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when users turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to design tools that are secure and suitable for children," commented a leading peer.

The US: A Decentralized Approach

Across America, action is largely happening at the local government level due to national gridlock.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a regulation limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further access needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws mandating adult authorization for teenagers to create social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from some politicians to mimic the Australian path, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Perspectives

Apart from Europe and the US, other states are likewise taking action.

• The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.

However, international agencies adopt a more nuanced stance. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could backfire". The organization points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve safety.

While this worldwide discussion continues, the policies of Australia and several other countries indicate that governments internationally are less and less prepared to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.