The Australian bold move to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are watching 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 exploring comparable measures.
- The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". A law may be passed next year.
- Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "an options in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to approve a bill increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Netherlands has advised parents to prevent their children from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic statement demanding a ban for minors except if parental consent is given. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.
"A clear age restriction is a solid starting point," said the European lawmaker supporting the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach
For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in strong research".
Earlier, support grew behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to investigate the topic.
Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after being exposed to dangerous platform posts suggests that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for young users," said a leading child protection advocate.
America: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, regulation is mostly occurring at the regional government level amid national gridlock.
- Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a law barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has approved a regulation limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra time requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed measures demanding adult authorization for teenagers to open social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from some politicians to copy this example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.
International Perspectives
Apart from these regions, additional nations are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, global bodies adopt a more nuanced stance. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might backfire". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
While this global conversation evolves, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers internationally are no longer content to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.
