The Australian controversial action to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Momentum
In Europe, a growing group of countries are considering comparable bans.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our children's childhood". The policy may be enacted soon.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "an measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has called on parliament to pass a proposal raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has advised parents to block their youngsters from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for minors unless guardian approval is granted. Although it warns of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age limit is a useful starting point," stated one MEP behind the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance
Across Britain, the administration has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "based on strong data".
Last year, interest built behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration committed to investigate the topic.
Campaign organizations have raised warnings. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after viewing disturbing social media material contends that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for young users," said a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A Decentralized Landscape
Across America, action is mostly unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a rule restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further access needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws requiring guardian approval for teenagers to create social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from various figures to mimic Australia's example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Perspectives
Outside of these regions, other nations are also exploring options.
- The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, international agencies take a more measured position. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in user protection.
As this global conversation evolves, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers globally are no longer content to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.
