Australia's decisive move to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and families are observing closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Movement
Throughout Europe, a growing number of countries are considering similar bans.
- The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that phones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". A law may be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "an measures in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has called on parliament to approve a bill lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Dutch government has urged families to restrict their children from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding motion demanding a ban for minors except if parental consent is given. Even though it warns of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the move does not create binding law.
"An effective age restriction is a useful first step," commented the MEP behind the measure.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye
Across Britain, the government has kept open a possible ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in robust evidence".
Earlier, support grew behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the administration vowed to investigate the matter.
Advocacy groups have raised warnings. One foundation founded by the family of a teenager who was lost after encountering disturbing platform posts argues that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to build products and services that are safe and suitable for children," commented a influential online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
Across America, regulation is largely occurring at the state level amid country-wide inaction.
- Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has passed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has passed a regulation restricting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional time needing a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted measures demanding parental consent for under-16s to open social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from some individuals to follow this lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Worldwide Perspectives
Apart from these regions, further nations are also exploring options.
- The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, world bodies strike a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The body highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
Even as this international conversation continues, the policies of Australia and others show that policymakers around the world are increasingly prepared to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.
