The Australian decisive policy to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Momentum
Across Europe, a increasing group of nations are moving toward similar restrictions.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our children's youth". Legislation is expected to be formalized next year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "an tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to pass a law raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding motion supporting a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is given. While it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these services, the step does not create mandatory rules.
"An effective age restriction is a good first step," stated the MEP behind the initiative.
Britain: A Watchful Stance
In the UK, the government has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "based on conclusive data".
Earlier, momentum grew behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the government pledged to investigate the topic.
Charities have raised warnings. One foundation set up by the family of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to harmful social media material contends that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to create tools that are safe and age appropriate for children," stated a leading child protection advocate.
America: A Decentralized Approach
Across America, legislation is mostly occurring at the state government level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a law barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has passed a rule limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional time requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills requiring adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from some individuals to mimic the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
International Views
Beyond Europe and the US, further nations are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.
However, world bodies adopt a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The organization points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this global discussion unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and others show that governments around the world are less and less prepared to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.
