The Australian controversial policy to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are watching intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.
Across Europe Trend
In Europe, a increasing group of nations are exploring similar restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that phones and apps are "taking away our children's innocence". Legislation may be enacted in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "an measures on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to pass a proposal raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a related move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has advised parents to block their kids from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is provided. Although it warns of the "addictive" nature of these services, the move does not enact binding law.
"A strong age limit is a good starting point," commented the MEP supporting the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach
Across Britain, the government has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by robust data".
Previously, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government vowed to further research the topic.
Campaign organizations have raised concerns. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a teenager who died after encountering disturbing online content argues that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users become eligible.
"This ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to design products and services that are secure and fit for minors," commented a influential peer.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
Stateside, action is largely occurring at the regional government level due to federal inaction.
- Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has signed a law barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation capping minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra time requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures mandating guardian approval for teenagers to open social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from various politicians to mimic Australia's path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Global Perspectives
Beyond Europe and the US, additional nations are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, global agencies adopt a more cautious position. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in safety.
Even as this global conversation unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and its followers indicate that policymakers around the world are no longer prepared to wait for platforms to self-regulate.
