Australia's bold action to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.
The European Movement
In Europe, a rising group of states are moving toward comparable restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our children's youth". The policy is expected to be enacted soon.
- The Norwegian government is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "power of the AI".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential options in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to pass a bill raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their kids from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a solid starting point," commented the MEP supporting the resolution.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
In the UK, the administration has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any action must be "based on conclusive research".
Earlier, support built behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration pledged to investigate the matter.
Advocacy groups have raised warnings. A prominent charity founded by the family of a girl who died after viewing harmful online content contends that a strict age ban may not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to design products and services that are appropriate and suitable for children," said a prominent peer.
America: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, legislation is mostly happening at the regional government level amid national inaction.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a bill banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a rule restricting teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with any further time needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws mandating guardian approval for under-16s to create social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from some individuals to follow Australia's path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Views
Beyond the West, further nations are likewise considering moves.
- The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, global organizations take a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The body notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
Even as this worldwide conversation evolves, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that states internationally are no longer willing to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.
