Australia's controversial move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are observing intently to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.
European Trend
Throughout Europe, a rising number of nations are exploring comparable restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that smartphones and networks are "taking away our children's childhood". A law may be passed in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban is "an measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to enact a bill raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is granted. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the step does not create mandatory rules.
"A strong age barrier is a good foundation," said a leading MEP behind the measure.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in conclusive research".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the government pledged to further research the topic.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. An organization established by the relatives of a teenager who died after encountering disturbing online content contends that a strict age ban might not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are safe and fit for children," said a prominent peer.
The United States: A Fragmented Picture
In the United States, action is largely occurring at the regional government level due to national inaction.
- Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
- The state of Florida has passed a measure banning under-14s from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a law restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further use requiring parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills requiring parental consent for teenagers to create social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from some figures to copy the Australian example, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Perspectives
Apart from these regions, other countries are likewise considering moves.
- The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, world organizations take a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might backfire". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in safety.
While this worldwide discussion evolves, the actions of Australia and several other countries show that policymakers globally are no longer prepared to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
