The Australian controversial action to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.
The European Trend
Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of countries are considering parallel bans.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that smartphones and networks are "taking away our kids' youth". A law is expected to be formalized next year.
- Norway is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential measures on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has urged parliament to enact a bill lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Netherlands has advised families to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the move does not create mandatory rules.
"A clear age limit is a solid first step," stated the MEP driving the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye
In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in robust evidence".
Earlier, support grew behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the government vowed to conduct more studies the topic.
Advocacy groups have raised concerns. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after viewing harmful platform posts suggests that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for young users," said a influential child protection advocate.
The US: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, regulation is mostly happening at the state level amid national inaction.
- Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a rule capping teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with any further access needing parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced measures requiring guardian approval for minors to open social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from certain individuals to copy Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Perspectives
Beyond Europe and the US, further nations are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, global agencies take a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve safety.
Even as this international debate continues, the actions of Australia and others show that policymakers internationally are increasingly willing to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.
