Could Other Countries Pursue Australia's Lead in Restricting Social Media for Teenagers Under 16?

Australia's controversial policy to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.

European Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising number of states are moving toward parallel bans.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that phones and networks are "taking away our youngsters' youth". Legislation is expected to be formalized next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to enact a proposal increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a related move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in the Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a advisory resolution calling for a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is given. While it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these services, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.

"An effective age limit is a solid first step," said one MEP driving the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "based on conclusive research".

Previously, momentum built behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration committed to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. One foundation set up by the relatives of a young person who died after encountering dangerous platform posts suggests that a simple age ban may not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people become eligible.

"This ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are appropriate and suitable for minors," said a prominent peer.

The US: A Fragmented Approach

Stateside, action is mostly happening at the local government level due to country-wide inaction.

• Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
• The state of Florida has passed a measure barring under-14s from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a regulation capping minors to one hour of social media time per day, with additional use needing adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced bills requiring adult authorization for minors to set up social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and calls from various individuals to mimic Australia's path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Views

Apart from the West, other states are also exploring options.

• The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.

But, international agencies take a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The body points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in user protection.

While this international conversation unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and others show that governments globally are increasingly content to delay for platforms to self-regulate.