Australia's controversial policy to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are observing intently to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a growing chorus of states are considering similar bans.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that smartphones and networks are "robbing our children's childhood". Legislation may be enacted soon.
- Norway is set to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the AI".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to approve a proposal increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in the Netherlands has recommended parents to block their kids from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it warns of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age restriction is a useful foundation," said a leading parliamentarian driving the initiative.
Britain: A Watchful Approach
For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any action must be "supported by robust research".
Earlier, support grew behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. However, the government vowed to investigate the issue.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. An organization set up by the family of a young person who was lost after encountering disturbing platform posts contends that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to design tools that are safe and fit for young users," stated a influential child protection advocate.
The US: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, action is largely occurring at the regional level due to federal inaction.
- Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a measure banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has approved a rule capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra time needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed laws mandating parental consent for teenagers to create social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and calls from some politicians to copy this lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Global Perspectives
Beyond these regions, further countries are similarly taking action.
- The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, global bodies strike a more nuanced stance. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could backfire". The organization points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve user protection.
As this international conversation continues, the steps of Australia and several other countries show that states around the world are increasingly content to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.
