Australia's decisive policy to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.
European Movement
In Europe, a growing number of states are exploring parallel restrictions.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our children's youth". Legislation may be enacted in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "an tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has called on parliament to approve a proposal increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has recommended parents to block their kids from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory resolution demanding a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the step does not create mandatory rules.
"A strong age barrier is a useful first step," commented one MEP supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance
In the UK, the administration has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by robust research".
Previously, support grew behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the administration pledged to further research the matter.
Charities have voiced concerns. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a young person who died after encountering harmful online content contends that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when users turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are safe and fit for young users," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.
America: A Decentralized Picture
In the United States, legislation is largely unfolding at the local government level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has signed a bill banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has passed a regulation capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra access needing adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed laws demanding parental consent for under-16s to set up social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain politicians to copy this lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Views
Beyond these regions, additional nations are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, international organizations take a more nuanced stance. Unicef has advised that social media bans carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.
As this global debate continues, the actions of the Australian government and others demonstrate that policymakers around the world are less and less prepared to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.
