The Australian controversial policy to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are watching closely to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
In Europe, a growing group of states are moving toward similar measures.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our children's innocence". The policy may be enacted next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "an measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has urged parliament to approve a proposal lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a comparable action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has urged guardians to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for minors except if guardian approval is provided. While it highlights of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not establish binding law.
"An effective age restriction is a useful starting point," commented a leading European lawmaker driving the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in strong research".
Earlier, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the issue.
Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the family of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to harmful social media material suggests that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when users become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for children," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Decentralized Approach
Stateside, action is largely occurring at the local government level amid federal stalemate.
- Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has signed a bill banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a law limiting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further access requiring a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws demanding adult authorization for under-16s to create social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from various figures to copy Australia's example, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Global Outlook
Beyond Europe and the US, other nations are also taking action.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, world agencies strike a more cautious position. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve safety.
Even as this worldwide discussion continues, the actions of Australia and its followers show that states around the world are less and less willing to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.
