Australia's bold policy to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are observing closely to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.
The European Movement
Across Europe, a increasing number of countries are moving toward similar restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our kids' youth". A law may be formalized next year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "an measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to approve a bill raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has advised guardians to restrict their children from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it warns of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age barrier is a good foundation," stated a leading European lawmaker supporting the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach
For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by robust evidence".
Last year, interest gathered behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the topic.
Advocacy groups have raised warnings. One foundation founded by the family of a young person who took her own life after viewing dangerous online content suggests that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when young people turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to build products and services that are secure and fit for minors," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A State-by-State Landscape
Stateside, regulation is mostly unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.
- Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a bill banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule capping under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional time requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills requiring parental consent for teenagers to set up social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from various figures to mimic Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Views
Apart from the West, additional nations are likewise considering moves.
- The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.
But, world bodies take a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might backfire". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.
As this worldwide debate evolves, the actions of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers internationally are less and less content to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
