Australia's decisive policy to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are watching closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a increasing group of nations are moving toward comparable measures.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that phones and platforms are "stealing our children's youth". A law could be enacted soon.
- The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential options under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the president has urged the legislature to pass a proposal increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to block their children from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for minors except if guardian approval is granted. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the resolution does not create binding law.
"An effective age limit is a good first step," said one parliamentarian driving the resolution.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance
In the UK, the government has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "supported by robust research".
Previously, momentum built behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the matter.
Charities have voiced warnings. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a young person who died after being exposed to dangerous platform posts contends that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people become eligible.
"This ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to create products and services that are secure and age appropriate for young users," said a prominent peer.
The US: A Fragmented Landscape
In the United States, action is primarily happening at the state government level amid federal stalemate.
- Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a law banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further time dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed laws requiring adult authorization for minors to set up social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various politicians to follow the Australian path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Perspectives
Beyond the West, additional countries are also exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, world organizations adopt a more measured position. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "may even backfire". The agency points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.
Even as this worldwide discussion continues, the actions of the Australian government and others indicate that policymakers around the world are less and less prepared to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.
