Australia's decisive move to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Movement
In Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are considering comparable measures.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that smartphones and networks are "taking away our children's innocence". The policy is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "influence of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "an tools in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the president has called on lawmakers to enact a bill lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a similar step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is given. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the step does not establish mandatory rules.
"An effective age barrier is a solid starting point," stated a leading European lawmaker supporting the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Stance
In the UK, the government has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "based on strong evidence".
Last year, momentum grew behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the administration committed to further research the issue.
Campaign organizations have raised concerns. One foundation set up by the relatives of a girl who was lost after encountering dangerous online content argues that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens reach the legal age.
"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for minors," stated a leading online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Decentralized Picture
In the United States, legislation is mostly happening at the regional level amid national inaction.
- The state of Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a law barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a rule capping minors to one hour of social media use per day, with any further time requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills mandating parental consent for under-16s to create social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from various figures to follow the Australian path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Views
Apart from these regions, further countries are likewise exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, international agencies strike a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "might backfire". The body notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.
Even as this global conversation continues, the policies of the Australian government and its followers show that policymakers globally are no longer prepared to wait for platforms to self-regulate.
