Australia's decisive action to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Movement
In Europe, a growing chorus of countries are considering parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' youth". Legislation is expected to be passed soon.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "power of the AI".
- The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential measures on the table".
- In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to enact a proposal increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their children from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a advisory motion demanding a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the step does not create mandatory rules.
"A clear age limit is a useful starting point," stated the parliamentarian supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye
In the UK, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "based on strong data".
Earlier, momentum gathered behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the government committed to further research the issue.
Charities have raised warnings. An organization founded by the family of a girl who died after being exposed to disturbing online content suggests that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when young people become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to create tools that are secure and suitable for minors," commented a influential online safety campaigner.
America: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, action is primarily occurring at the state level amid federal gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has passed a law prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has passed a regulation capping minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra use needing parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws demanding parental consent for under-16s to create social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from various individuals to copy Australia's example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Perspectives
Beyond Europe and the US, other states are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.
But, global organizations take a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The body highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve safety.
Even as this global discussion unfolds, the steps of Australia and others demonstrate that policymakers internationally are less and less prepared to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.