Will Different States Follow Australia's in Prohibiting Social Media for Teenagers Under 16?

The Australian bold action to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are observing with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

Throughout Europe, a increasing number of nations are considering similar bans.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that smartphones and apps are "taking away our children's youth". The policy could be enacted next year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "influence of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an similar ban could be "a potential tools on the table".
• In Spain, the president has called on parliament to approve a law lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a related step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The administration in the Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory motion demanding a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age barrier is a solid first step," stated the MEP behind the initiative.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "based on conclusive data".

Previously, momentum gathered behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the government committed to further research the issue.

Charities have raised warnings. An organization set up by the relatives of a young person who was lost after viewing dangerous platform posts contends that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people turn 16.

"This ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," stated a leading child protection advocate.

America: A State-by-State Picture

Stateside, regulation is largely happening at the regional level due to national inaction.

• The state of Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a bill barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has passed a law capping teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with additional time dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted measures requiring guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from certain figures to follow Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Worldwide Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, additional countries are also exploring options.

• The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.

But, global agencies take a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve user protection.

As this worldwide debate evolves, the actions of the Australian government and others show that governments internationally are less and less content to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.