Will Different Countries Pursue Australia's Example in Banning Online Networks for Teenagers Under 16?

Australia's bold policy to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are monitoring intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.

The European Movement

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

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our kids' innocence". Legislation is expected to be formalized next year.
• Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "an measures on the table".
• In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to pass a law lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Dutch government has urged guardians to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic motion calling for a ban for minors unless guardian approval is granted. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A clear age barrier is a useful first step," commented one MEP behind the measure.

Britain: A Cautious Stance

For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "based on conclusive research".

Earlier, interest built behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the administration committed to conduct more studies the matter.

Charities have voiced warnings. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after viewing disturbing platform posts contends that a simple age ban might not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are safe and fit for children," said a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A State-by-State Landscape

Across America, regulation is mostly happening at the local government level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.

• Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a law banning under-14s from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has passed a regulation restricting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further time requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced laws mandating parental consent for under-16s to create social media profiles.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from various individuals to mimic the Australian path, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

International Outlook

Outside of Europe and the US, other countries are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.

However, world bodies strike a more measured position. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve user protection.

Even as this international discussion evolves, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that states globally are less and less content to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.