Australia's controversial move to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.
The European Movement
In Europe, a growing number of countries are considering parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that phones and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' youth". Legislation may be enacted next year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "an options in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to approve a proposal increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has advised guardians to restrict their kids from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding motion demanding a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is provided. Even though it warns of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the step does not create mandatory rules.
"An effective age restriction is a good first step," said the European lawmaker behind the resolution.
Britain: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any action must be "based on strong research".
Earlier, momentum grew behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the government committed to further research the matter.
Charities have voiced warnings. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a girl who was lost after being exposed to disturbing social media material suggests that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are secure and suitable for minors," commented a prominent child protection advocate.
The United States: A Decentralized Landscape
Across America, action is largely happening at the state level amid national stalemate.
- The state of Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a measure prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further use requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws mandating guardian approval for minors to create social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from certain politicians to follow Australia's example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.
International Outlook
Beyond the West, further countries are similarly exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, global organizations take a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve user protection.
As this worldwide debate continues, the policies of the Australian government and others show that states globally are increasingly content to delay for the industry to self-regulate.
