Australia's bold policy to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are observing closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.
Across Europe Momentum
Across Europe, a rising group of states are considering parallel measures.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and networks are "robbing our kids' innocence". Legislation could be enacted next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media users. Officials have suggested that an similar ban could be "one of the tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to enact a law increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a related step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised guardians to block their children from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is given. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the move does not enact binding law.
"A clear age limit is a solid foundation," stated one European lawmaker supporting the resolution.
Britain: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in robust evidence".
Previously, momentum gathered behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the issue.
Charities have expressed apprehensions. An organization founded by the family of a young person who took her own life after encountering dangerous platform posts suggests that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for young users," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
Stateside, regulation is primarily occurring at the local government level amid federal stalemate.
- Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a measure banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law capping minors to one hour of social media access per day, with any further time requiring a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted laws requiring parental consent for minors to open social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from certain figures to copy the Australian example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Global Outlook
Beyond the West, other nations are similarly taking action.
- The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.
However, global organizations adopt a more measured position. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "may even backfire". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize safety.
Even as this global debate evolves, the policies of the Australian government and its followers indicate that governments globally are less and less willing to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.
