Australia's bold move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Trend
Across Europe, a rising chorus of states are moving toward parallel measures.
- The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that phones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". A law could be formalized next year.
- Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "a potential options in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the president has called on parliament to enact a law raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a comparable action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The government in The Dutch government has urged parents to restrict their kids from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the step does not create enforceable legislation.
"An effective age restriction is a good foundation," stated a leading European lawmaker driving the initiative.
The UK: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".
Earlier, momentum grew behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the administration committed to further research the matter.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a girl who was lost after being exposed to harmful social media material argues that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.
"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for young users," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, regulation is primarily happening at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has signed a bill barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a rule restricting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional time needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills mandating guardian approval for under-16s to create social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from various individuals to mimic the Australian path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Beyond the West, other states are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.
But, world organizations strike a more cautious stance. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.
Even as this international conversation continues, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries show that states around the world are less and less prepared to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.
