Australia's decisive action to restrict social media access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and families are monitoring intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.
Across Europe Movement
In Europe, a growing number of countries are exploring comparable measures.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our children's childhood". The policy may be passed next year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban remains "a potential measures on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to enact a law raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The government in The Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their children from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is granted. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the step does not enact binding law.
"A clear age limit is a solid foundation," commented one European lawmaker behind the resolution.
Britain: A Watchful Approach
Across Britain, the administration has kept open a future ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "based on conclusive research".
Previously, interest grew behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. However, the administration committed to further research the matter.
Campaign organizations have raised warnings. An organization founded by the family of a teenager who died after encountering disturbing online content suggests that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when users turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for children," said a influential peer.
America: A Decentralized Picture
In the United States, action is primarily occurring at the state government level amid federal stalemate.
- Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has signed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has approved a regulation capping under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with extra time dependent on parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws demanding guardian approval for teenagers to create social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain individuals to copy this lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
International Views
Outside of the West, other countries are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, world agencies adopt a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might backfire". The body highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve safety.
As this global discussion unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that states internationally are less and less prepared to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.
