The Australian controversial move to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are observing closely to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of states are moving toward similar restrictions.
- The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our children's innocence". A law is expected to be formalized next year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "an tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to enact a bill raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in the Netherlands has advised parents to block their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a symbolic motion demanding a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is given. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these services, the step does not create binding law.
"An effective age restriction is a useful first step," stated a leading European lawmaker driving the initiative.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the government has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any action must be "based on robust data".
Earlier, interest grew behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the issue.
Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a girl who died after encountering disturbing online content suggests that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.
"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to build products and services that are safe and age appropriate for young users," commented a prominent child protection advocate.
The United States: A Decentralized Landscape
Stateside, regulation is largely occurring at the local government level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has signed a law barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has approved a law capping minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra time dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills mandating guardian approval for minors to set up social media accounts.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from various politicians to follow Australia's example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Global Perspectives
Outside of these regions, other countries are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, global agencies take a more cautious stance. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.
As this global conversation unfolds, the steps of Australia and several other countries show that states around the world are increasingly willing to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.
