The Australian controversial policy to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
The European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of nations are moving toward parallel bans.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that phones and apps are "stealing our kids' youth". Legislation is expected to be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is set to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the AI".
- The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an similar ban remains "an tools under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the president has called on parliament 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 legislative committee has suggested a related step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The government in the Netherlands has advised parents to block their children from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is provided. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the step does not establish mandatory rules.
"A strong age limit is a solid starting point," said the European lawmaker supporting the initiative.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye
Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in strong research".
Last year, interest grew behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the government vowed to conduct more studies the matter.
Advocacy groups have raised warnings. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a young person who died after viewing harmful social media material argues that a strict age ban might not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when users turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to create products and services that are safe and suitable for minors," commented a influential child protection advocate.
The United States: A Fragmented Picture
Stateside, legislation is mostly happening at the local level amid national stalemate.
- Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a law barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a regulation capping minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further time needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced measures mandating adult authorization for under-16s to create social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from some politicians to copy the Australian example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Views
Outside of Europe and the US, other countries are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.
But, world agencies take a more cautious stance. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.
As this global conversation evolves, the actions of the Australian government and others demonstrate that states around the world are increasingly content to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
