The Australian bold move to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
The European Trend
Throughout Europe, a rising group of nations are moving toward parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our children's youth". The policy may be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "an options under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has urged parliament to enact a proposal increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Dutch government has urged parents to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is provided. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.
"A clear age restriction is a solid foundation," stated one MEP supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach
For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a future ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any action must be "based on strong data".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration committed to investigate the topic.
Charities have voiced apprehensions. An organization established by the family of a teenager who was lost after encountering harmful social media material suggests that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when young people turn 16.
"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are appropriate and fit for minors," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Decentralized Approach
In the United States, regulation is largely occurring at the local level due to federal inaction.
- Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a law limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional access dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills mandating parental consent for under-16s to set up social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some individuals to copy the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Views
Outside of Europe and the US, additional countries are likewise considering moves.
- The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.
But, international bodies strike a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The body notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.
As this worldwide discussion unfolds, the actions of this nation and its followers indicate that governments internationally are no longer content to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.
