The Australian bold policy to restrict social media access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and parents are observing closely to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.
European Trend
In Europe, a growing group of states are exploring parallel measures.
- The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that phones and platforms are "taking away our kids' childhood". Legislation could be formalized soon.
- Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "an options under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has urged parliament to enact a proposal raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their kids from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory resolution calling for a ban for minors except if parental consent is provided. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age restriction is a solid first step," commented a leading MEP supporting the measure.
The UK: A Cautious Stance
For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in robust research".
Previously, momentum built behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the administration vowed to investigate the issue.
Charities have voiced concerns. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to harmful online content suggests that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to create products and services that are safe and age appropriate for children," commented a influential peer.
The United States: A Decentralized Approach
Stateside, regulation is mostly occurring at the local level amid federal stalemate.
- Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has passed a rule capping teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra use requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed bills mandating guardian approval for under-16s to create social media accounts.
Despite widespread concern and calls from some politicians to follow the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
International Perspectives
Beyond these regions, other states are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, global agencies adopt a more cautious tone. Unicef has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in user protection.
Even as this international discussion evolves, the steps of the Australian government and others indicate that governments globally are less and less content to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.
