The Australian bold policy to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
The European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a increasing number of states are exploring parallel measures.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our children's youth". A law could be enacted next year.
- Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban is "an measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to enact a proposal raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a related step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has urged families to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for minors unless guardian approval is given. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the resolution does not enact binding law.
"A clear age limit is a useful starting point," said the European lawmaker driving the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye
For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a future ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in robust evidence".
Previously, interest grew behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the government vowed to conduct more studies the matter.
Charities have raised apprehensions. One foundation established by the family of a teenager who was lost after encountering disturbing online content argues that a simple age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are appropriate and fit for young users," said a influential online safety campaigner.
The US: A State-by-State Landscape
In the United States, action is largely occurring at the local government level amid federal inaction.
- Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a law banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
- The state of Virginia has passed a regulation limiting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with extra time requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures mandating adult authorization for minors to set up social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from some individuals to copy this path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Perspectives
Outside of these regions, other countries are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.
However, international organizations adopt a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even backfire". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in safety.
While this global discussion continues, the policies of this nation and others demonstrate that governments globally are no longer prepared to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
