The Australian controversial move to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and families are monitoring intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.
The European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are moving toward parallel restrictions.
- The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that phones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". A law could be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the options on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has called on the legislature to pass a law raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Dutch government has advised guardians to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory statement demanding a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.
"A strong age barrier is a useful foundation," said the parliamentarian supporting the measure.
Britain: A Watchful Approach
For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in strong data".
Last year, support grew behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the matter.
Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a girl who was lost after viewing harmful platform posts suggests that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when users turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to create tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," commented a leading child protection advocate.
The United States: A Decentralized Landscape
Stateside, action is largely occurring at the regional level amid federal inaction.
- Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has signed a measure prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional use needing adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted laws requiring parental consent for minors to create social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from some individuals to copy Australia's path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.
International Perspectives
Outside of Europe and the US, other nations are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, international agencies strike a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The body points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in safety.
Even as this worldwide discussion evolves, the steps of the Australian government and its followers indicate that policymakers internationally are increasingly content to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.
