The Australian controversial policy to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are observing closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
The European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of nations are moving toward comparable restrictions.
- The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that phones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". A law may be enacted next year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the options on the table".
- In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to enact a proposal increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Dutch government has urged guardians to block their children from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.
"A clear age limit is a solid first step," stated one parliamentarian behind the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Approach
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a future ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "supported by conclusive data".
Previously, interest built behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government vowed to investigate the topic.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. One foundation set up by the family of a teenager who was lost after viewing harmful online content argues that a strict age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," commented a leading peer.
The United States: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, legislation is primarily unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a measure prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law restricting minors to one hour of social media access per day, with additional access dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures requiring adult authorization for minors to create social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and calls from certain figures to follow this lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Worldwide Outlook
Apart from these regions, other states are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.
But, global organizations strike a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans carry risks and "might backfire". The body points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve safety.
While this global conversation continues, the policies of Australia and its followers show that policymakers internationally are less and less willing to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.
