Australia's bold action to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Momentum
Across Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are moving toward comparable measures.
- The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that phones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". A law could be formalized soon.
- Norway is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an similar ban could be "a potential tools on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to enact a law increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a related action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Netherlands has advised parents to block their children from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for minors unless parental consent is granted. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the step does not create enforceable legislation.
"A clear age limit is a solid foundation," commented a leading MEP behind the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "based on strong data".
Previously, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the matter.
Charities have expressed apprehensions. One foundation set up by the family of a girl who died after being exposed to disturbing social media material argues that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when users turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for children," stated a influential child protection advocate.
The United States: A State-by-State Approach
Across America, legislation is mostly unfolding at the state government level against a backdrop of national gridlock.
- Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has signed a bill barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a law capping under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with additional access needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws demanding guardian approval for teenagers to create social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from certain individuals to follow the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
International Perspectives
Outside of the West, further nations are also considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, global agencies adopt a more cautious stance. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The body notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve safety.
As this international conversation continues, the steps of this nation and others show that policymakers internationally are no longer content to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.
