Australia's decisive policy to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
Across Europe, a increasing group of countries are considering comparable bans.
- The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our children's innocence". The policy may be passed soon.
- The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban could be "a potential options in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to enact a bill lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The administration in the Netherlands has urged parents to block their children from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic statement calling for a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A clear age barrier is a useful foundation," stated one parliamentarian driving the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any action must be "supported by conclusive data".
Previously, interest built behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration pledged to further research the matter.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after viewing disturbing platform posts contends that a simple age ban may not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when users become eligible.
"This ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for children," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
Across America, regulation is primarily occurring at the regional government level amid national inaction.
- The state of Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has signed a measure 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 limiting teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with additional access needing parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced measures demanding guardian approval for under-16s to open social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from various politicians to follow this example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
International Views
Beyond Europe and the US, additional states are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.
However, international organizations strike a more measured position. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The body notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.
As this global discussion evolves, the policies of Australia and others demonstrate that policymakers globally are increasingly willing to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.
