The Australian decisive action to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.
Across Europe Trend
In Europe, a rising chorus of countries are considering similar restrictions.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our children's childhood". The policy may be passed in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential options under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to approve a bill increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Netherlands has urged guardians to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a advisory motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is given. While it cautions of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the step does not create binding law.
"A strong age barrier is a good starting point," stated a leading European lawmaker supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach
For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "supported by strong evidence".
Last year, interest grew behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to investigate the issue.
Charities have voiced warnings. One foundation founded by the family of a young person who took her own life after encountering harmful social media material suggests that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to design products and services that are safe and fit for children," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
In the United States, regulation is largely happening at the regional government level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.
- Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has signed a bill banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a rule limiting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with extra use needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws mandating guardian approval for minors to create social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from various figures to copy Australia's example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Views
Outside of the West, additional countries are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.
However, international agencies adopt a more measured stance. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.
While this international conversation unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries show that policymakers globally are less and less prepared to wait for platforms to self-regulate.
