Could Other States Follow Australia's in Banning Social Platforms for Teenagers Under 16?

The nation's decisive action to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are watching closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

The European Movement

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of countries are moving toward similar restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that phones and platforms are "robbing our kids' childhood". A law could be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "one of the measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to enact a bill raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a related action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has urged parents to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding statement calling for a ban for under-16s without parental consent is granted. While it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the step does not enact mandatory rules.

"A clear age restriction is a solid first step," said the European lawmaker supporting the resolution.

Britain: A Watchful Approach

Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by strong evidence".

Earlier, momentum grew behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government committed to conduct more studies the issue.

Charities have expressed warnings. One foundation founded by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after encountering dangerous social media material contends that a simple age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people reach the legal age.

"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to design products and services that are safe and suitable for young users," stated a prominent child protection advocate.

The US: A State-by-State Landscape

Across America, regulation is mostly occurring at the regional level due to national inaction.

• Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has passed a law restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional use dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills requiring guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from certain individuals to follow the Australian path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

International Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, further states are also taking action.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, global bodies take a more cautious position. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The body notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in safety.

While this global conversation unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and others indicate that policymakers globally are less and less content to wait for the industry to self-regulate.