Australia's decisive policy to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and families are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.
European Movement
Throughout Europe, a rising group of countries are considering comparable restrictions.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that phones and platforms are "robbing our kids' innocence". The policy could be enacted next year.
- Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "an options under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has called on parliament to approve a proposal lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a comparable move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The government in the Netherlands has advised guardians to block their kids from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a advisory statement calling for a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it warns of the "addictive" design of these apps, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.
"An effective age restriction is a good starting point," stated a leading parliamentarian driving the resolution.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach
Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any action must be "based on strong research".
Earlier, support gathered behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. However, the government pledged to investigate the matter.
Advocacy groups have raised concerns. One foundation set up by the family of a teenager who took her own life after viewing harmful platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to create tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," commented a leading peer.
The United States: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, legislation is largely occurring at the state level amid national stalemate.
- The state of Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has signed a bill barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has approved a regulation restricting under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with extra access needing adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced bills requiring parental consent for teenagers to create social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from various politicians to mimic this example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Global Perspectives
Apart from the West, other states are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, world organizations take a more measured position. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The organization notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve user protection.
While this global debate unfolds, the steps of Australia and others show that policymakers internationally are no longer prepared to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.
