The Australian controversial policy to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
Across Europe, a increasing group of countries are moving toward similar restrictions.
- The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that phones and networks are "stealing our children's childhood". The policy may be enacted next year.
- Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "an measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has urged parliament to pass a law raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Dutch government has recommended parents to block their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding motion demanding a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is provided. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the move does not create mandatory rules.
"An effective age limit is a solid foundation," stated a leading European lawmaker driving the resolution.
Britain: A Watchful Stance
In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "supported by strong evidence".
Previously, interest grew behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the matter.
Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. An organization established by the relatives of a teenager who died after encountering dangerous platform posts argues that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are safe and suitable for young users," commented a leading peer.
America: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, legislation is primarily unfolding at the regional government level due to country-wide inaction.
- Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has passed a measure barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional time requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws requiring parental consent for teenagers to open social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from various figures to copy Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Global Views
Beyond the West, other countries are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.
However, international bodies adopt a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in safety.
Even as this global conversation unfolds, the steps of Australia and others indicate that states internationally are increasingly content to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.
