Australia's decisive move to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
In Europe, a increasing group of states are moving toward comparable restrictions.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that smartphones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' youth". A law could be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential measures in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the president has asked parliament to enact a proposal increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a related move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised parents to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding statement supporting a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it highlights of the "addictive" design of these services, the move does not create mandatory rules.
"A strong age barrier is a solid first step," commented a leading parliamentarian driving the resolution.
Britain: A Watchful Approach
Across Britain, the government has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any action must be "based on strong data".
Previously, support grew behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the topic.
Charities have voiced apprehensions. An organization established by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after being exposed to disturbing online content argues that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to create tools that are appropriate and suitable for minors," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Fragmented Landscape
In the United States, legislation is mostly happening at the regional government level due to federal stalemate.
- Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a regulation capping minors to one hour of social media access per day, with additional access requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws mandating parental consent for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from various politicians to mimic the Australian lead, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Outside of the West, further countries are similarly taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
However, world agencies take a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The body notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
As this global debate evolves, the steps of the Australian government and others show that policymakers internationally are increasingly willing to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.
