Australia's decisive move to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are watching intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Movement
Across Europe, a growing chorus of nations are moving toward similar restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". Legislation could be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an similar ban remains "one of the options in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to enact a law raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a similar move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a non-binding statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is granted. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the move does not create mandatory rules.
"An effective age limit is a good first step," commented the MEP behind the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the government has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any action must be "based on strong research".
Last year, momentum grew behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the administration committed to further research the issue.
Charities have voiced warnings. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a young person who died after encountering disturbing social media material contends that a strict age ban may not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for children," commented a influential online safety campaigner.
America: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, regulation is mostly unfolding at the state level due to federal stalemate.
- The state of Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a bill banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a law restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra time needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures requiring adult authorization for teenagers to create social media profiles.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain individuals to follow Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Global Views
Outside of Europe and the US, other states are also exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, world organizations take a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even backfire". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.
As this global conversation unfolds, the policies of Australia and others indicate that states globally are increasingly willing to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.
