Australia's controversial policy to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and families are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Trend
Across Europe, a growing number of nations are considering comparable restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our children's childhood". A law may be formalized next year.
- Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential options under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to approve a proposal raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has advised families to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a advisory statement calling for a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the move does not create mandatory rules.
"A strong age restriction is a solid foundation," stated the MEP supporting the initiative.
Britain: A Cautious Stance
Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any action must be "supported by conclusive evidence".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the administration committed to further research the topic.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. An organization founded by the family of a young person who died after encountering harmful social media material argues that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to build tools that are safe and age appropriate for children," stated a influential peer.
The United States: A State-by-State Landscape
Across America, action is largely occurring at the state level due to national stalemate.
- Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a bill barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has passed a regulation capping minors to one hour of social media access per day, with extra use needing adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced measures demanding adult authorization for minors to open social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from certain figures to follow the Australian example, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.
International Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, further countries are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, global bodies strike a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could backfire". The body notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.
Even as this worldwide conversation continues, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries show that governments globally are no longer prepared to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
