The Australian decisive action to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Movement
Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of states are considering comparable restrictions.
- The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our kids' childhood". The policy is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the measures under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked the legislature to pass a law raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for minors except if guardian approval is provided. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the move does not enact binding law.
"An effective age restriction is a solid starting point," said the European lawmaker supporting the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Eye
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any action must be "supported by strong research".
Last year, momentum grew behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the government vowed to investigate the matter.
Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. An organization founded by the family of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to dangerous platform posts argues that a strict age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens reach the legal age.
"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for children," stated a prominent child protection advocate.
America: A Decentralized Landscape
In the United States, legislation is mostly unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra access requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted bills mandating adult authorization for minors to set up social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from certain individuals to follow the Australian example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Global Views
Beyond these regions, additional countries are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, world organizations adopt a more nuanced stance. Unicef has warned that social media bans have downsides and "may even backfire". The organization notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.
Even as this international conversation evolves, the steps of the Australian government and its followers show that governments around the world are no longer willing to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.
