Australia's bold action to restrict social media access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.
The European Trend
Across Europe, a increasing group of nations are moving toward parallel measures.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that phones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". The policy is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "power of the AI".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "an tools on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to enact a law increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their children from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic motion supporting a ban for under-16s without parental consent is given. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age limit is a useful starting point," said a leading European lawmaker behind the measure.
Britain: A Cautious Stance
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any action must be "based on strong evidence".
Previously, momentum built behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the government committed to investigate the matter.
Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a young person who died after being exposed to harmful social media material argues that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for young users," said a prominent peer.
America: A Fragmented Landscape
In the United States, action is largely happening at the regional government level amid country-wide stalemate.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a measure barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule capping minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra use needing adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced laws requiring adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some figures to copy the Australian example, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.
Global Perspectives
Apart from the West, further countries are similarly considering moves.
- The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, global organizations take a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The body highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in user protection.
While this global discussion evolves, the policies of Australia and others indicate that governments internationally are less and less prepared to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.
