The Australian decisive move to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are watching closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
The European Movement
Across Europe, a growing number of states are considering similar measures.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our kids' youth". A law could be passed soon.
- Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "a potential measures under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to pass a bill raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their kids from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age limit is a useful foundation," said one parliamentarian behind the resolution.
Britain: A Watchful Eye
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in strong evidence".
Last year, support built behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the issue.
Campaign organizations have raised concerns. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a teenager who died after encountering harmful social media material suggests that a strict age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," said a influential online safety campaigner.
The United States: A State-by-State Approach
Stateside, regulation is primarily occurring at the state level against a backdrop of national stalemate.
- Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a law banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a rule limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional time needing parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted measures requiring parental consent for under-16s to open social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from certain individuals to follow this path, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Global Views
Beyond these regions, additional nations are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, global organizations take a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve safety.
While this international debate continues, the policies of this nation and others indicate that governments internationally are increasingly content to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.
