Australia's decisive action to restrict social media access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.
The European Movement
Across Europe, a growing group of countries are considering parallel measures.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". The policy may be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "influence of the AI".
- The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an similar ban remains "one of the measures under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has asked lawmakers to enact a law lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The government in The Dutch government has urged parents to block their children from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for minors unless parental consent is provided. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a solid starting point," stated the parliamentarian behind the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance
Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "supported by strong evidence".
Previously, momentum built behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government pledged to conduct more studies the issue.
Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a girl who died after being exposed to dangerous online content contends that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, regulation is primarily happening at the local level amid national gridlock.
- Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a regulation limiting under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with additional access needing adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills mandating adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from some individuals to follow Australia's path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Global Outlook
Apart from the West, other countries are likewise exploring options.
- The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, global agencies take a more nuanced tone. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even backfire". The body highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this international discussion evolves, the policies of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that policymakers globally are no longer willing to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.
