Australia's decisive policy to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.
Across Europe Movement
Across Europe, a rising number of countries are considering comparable restrictions.
- The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that phones and networks are "stealing our kids' childhood". A law could be passed soon.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban is "an options on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to approve a proposal 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 suggested a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Dutch government has urged families to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is given. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A clear age restriction is a good foundation," stated the MEP supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye
For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in robust data".
Previously, interest grew behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. However, the government pledged to investigate the issue.
Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. One foundation founded by the family of a young person who died after viewing dangerous platform posts contends that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when users become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," stated a influential child protection advocate.
America: A State-by-State Approach
Stateside, legislation is largely occurring at the local level against a backdrop of national inaction.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a measure banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a rule capping under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with any further use requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures mandating adult authorization for minors to open social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and calls from various politicians to mimic this lead, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Outlook
Beyond the West, other states are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
However, global agencies strike a more measured position. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The organization notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in safety.
While this worldwide discussion evolves, the policies of the Australian government and others indicate that policymakers around the world are increasingly willing to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.
