The Australian bold action to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.
The European Momentum
Across Europe, a increasing group of countries are considering parallel bans.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that smartphones and apps are "robbing our kids' childhood". Legislation may be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban is "an measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to pass a law lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended families to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory motion calling for a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A strong age barrier is a good starting point," stated a leading MEP behind the resolution.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach
Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "based on conclusive evidence".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the government vowed to investigate the matter.
Charities have expressed warnings. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a girl who died after being exposed to harmful online content contends that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when users turn 16.
"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to design tools that are secure and age appropriate for children," said a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Landscape
Stateside, action is largely occurring at the regional level amid national gridlock.
- Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has signed a law barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a law restricting minors to one hour of social media access per day, with any further time requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced laws mandating parental consent for under-16s to open social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from certain individuals to mimic this example, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.
Global Perspectives
Beyond these regions, other countries are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.
However, international agencies adopt a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.
Even as this international debate unfolds, the actions of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that governments around the world are increasingly willing to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.
