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The Movement To Restrict Minors' Social Media Use : 1A Social media bans for minors have been making the rounds internationally. Now, Congress is looking to follow that lead.

In November, Australia imposed a sweeping ban on social media for users under 16 years old. The ban holds social media companies responsible for enforcing age restrictions on their sites and prohibits minors under that age limit from using those platforms or creating new accounts.

The law doesn't name specific apps or websites, but companies could face fines of up to $32 million if they violate the ban.

We discuss how social media bans like Australia's are enforced and what it would take to pass similar measures in the U.S.

Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.

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The Movement To Restrict Minors' Social Media Use

The Movement To Restrict Minors' Social Media Use

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The logos of social media applications Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Messenger, Hyperlapse and Telegram are displayed on a cellphone screen. Buda Mendes/Getty Images hide caption

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The logos of social media applications Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Messenger, Hyperlapse and Telegram are displayed on a cellphone screen.

Buda Mendes/Getty Images

Social media bans for minors have been making the rounds internationally. Now, Congress is looking to follow that lead.

In November, Australia imposed a sweeping ban on social media for users under 16 years old. The ban holds social media companies responsible for enforcing age restrictions on their sites and prohibits minors under that age limit from using those platforms or creating new accounts.

The law doesn't name specific apps or websites, but companies could face fines of up to $32 million if they violate the ban.

How are social media bans like Australia's enforced? And what would it take to pass similar measures in the U.S.?

Find more of our programs online. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.