Australia's controversial policy to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are observing intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
The European Trend
In Europe, a growing number of states are moving toward similar measures.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our kids' youth". Legislation is expected to be enacted next year.
- Norway is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential tools under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the president has asked the legislature to approve a proposal lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The government in the Netherlands has urged parents to block their youngsters from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a non-binding motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not create binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a useful first step," said the European lawmaker driving the resolution.
Britain: A Cautious Approach
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "supported by conclusive evidence".
Earlier, support grew behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration pledged to investigate the matter.
Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. One foundation founded by the family of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous online content suggests that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens reach the legal age.
"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to create tools that are safe and fit for young users," said a prominent peer.
America: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, legislation is largely unfolding at the state level amid federal inaction.
- The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has passed a law prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a law limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional access requiring parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted bills mandating guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and calls from various figures to follow Australia's path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
International Outlook
Apart from Europe and the US, further nations are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
However, international bodies take a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.
While this global conversation unfolds, the steps of Australia and several other countries show that governments globally are less and less willing to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.
