The Australian bold policy to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Officials, campaigners, and families are watching intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.
Across Europe Trend
Across Europe, a rising group of countries are moving toward similar restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our children's innocence". Legislation is expected to be enacted soon.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "an measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to approve a law raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Dutch government has advised parents to prevent their kids from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a symbolic motion demanding a ban for minors unless parental consent is given. While it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the move does not create enforceable legislation.
"A clear age barrier is a good foundation," said the MEP behind the resolution.
Britain: A Cautious Eye
Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "supported by strong data".
Previously, support grew behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the government pledged to further research the matter.
Charities have raised warnings. One foundation established by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to harmful platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when young people become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for young users," said a leading peer.
America: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, regulation is largely happening at the regional level due to national inaction.
- Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further time needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted laws demanding adult authorization for teenagers to open social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from certain individuals to follow Australia's example, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.
International Perspectives
Beyond Europe and the US, further nations are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.
However, international organizations take a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might backfire". The organization notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.
As this worldwide conversation evolves, the steps of the Australian government and its followers show that governments globally are less and less willing to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.
