The Australian decisive policy to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are observing intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
Across Europe, a rising group of countries are exploring comparable measures.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our youngsters' youth". The policy is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an similar ban could be "a potential measures on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to enact a proposal increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a related move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory resolution demanding a ban for minors unless guardian approval is provided. Although it warns of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not enact binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a good foundation," stated one European lawmaker driving the measure.
Britain: A Watchful Stance
For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a future ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "based on strong evidence".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government pledged to further research the issue.
Charities have expressed concerns. An organization set up by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after encountering harmful platform posts contends that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are secure and fit for young users," commented a leading peer.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
In the United States, legislation is mostly happening at the state level against a backdrop of federal inaction.
- Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a law banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a rule restricting teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with any further use needing adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed measures mandating guardian approval for under-16s to open social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from various politicians to mimic Australia's example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Global Views
Outside of Europe and the US, additional countries are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, world organizations adopt a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The body highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
As this international debate continues, the steps of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that governments around the world are no longer prepared to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.
