The Australian decisive action to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, campaigners, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Movement
Throughout Europe, a growing number of countries are considering parallel restrictions.
- The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that smartphones and apps are "stealing our children's innocence". Legislation may be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "an measures in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to pass a proposal increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the step does not establish binding law.
"A strong age limit is a solid first step," stated one MEP driving the resolution.
The UK: A Watchful Eye
In the UK, the government has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any action must be "supported by robust data".
Previously, interest grew behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the topic.
Charities have raised apprehensions. One foundation established by the family of a girl who died after being exposed to harmful social media material suggests that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for children," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A State-by-State Approach
In the United States, action is largely unfolding at the state government level due to country-wide gridlock.
- Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has passed a rule restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional time needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted laws demanding adult authorization for teenagers to create social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from some politicians to follow the Australian example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Views
Apart from Europe and the US, further countries are also exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, world bodies strike a more nuanced tone. Unicef has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.
Even as this global conversation continues, the policies of Australia and its followers demonstrate that states globally are no longer willing to wait for platforms to self-regulate.
