The Australian bold move to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are watching intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.
European Momentum
In Europe, a rising number of countries are exploring similar measures.
- The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". Legislation is expected to be enacted soon.
- Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "an options on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on the legislature to pass a bill 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 similar move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has advised families to restrict their children 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 under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.
"A strong age barrier is a good starting point," stated a leading MEP driving the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance
Across Britain, the government has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in strong data".
Previously, support built behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the issue.
Charities have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after viewing harmful platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for minors," said a leading peer.
The United States: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, regulation is mostly occurring at the state level due to national stalemate.
- The state of Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a law barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has passed a law restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra time requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures requiring parental consent for minors to open social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from certain figures to mimic this example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
International Perspectives
Beyond Europe and the US, further countries are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.
However, world organizations strike a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "could backfire". The organization notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in safety.
While this global discussion evolves, the steps of this nation and several other countries show that policymakers internationally are increasingly content to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.
