Australia's bold policy to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.
European Trend
Across Europe, a rising number of states are considering comparable measures.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our kids' innocence". The policy may be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "one of the tools on the table".
- In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to enact a bill lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The government in the Netherlands has advised parents to block their youngsters from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it warns of the "addictive" nature of these services, the resolution does not create binding law.
"A clear age limit is a solid first step," stated one European lawmaker supporting the initiative.
Britain: A Watchful Approach
Across Britain, the government has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in conclusive data".
Earlier, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. However, the administration pledged to further research the issue.
Charities have raised concerns. One foundation established by the relatives of a young person who died after viewing harmful online content contends that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are appropriate and fit for children," commented a leading peer.
The US: A State-by-State Picture
In the United States, legislation is largely happening at the regional government level amid country-wide gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has passed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra use requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted laws requiring parental consent for minors to open social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from various politicians to follow Australia's path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.
International Perspectives
Apart from Europe and the US, additional states are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.
However, international bodies take a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might backfire". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in user protection.
While this worldwide debate evolves, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers around the world are increasingly prepared to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.
