Australia's controversial action to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.
Across Europe Trend
In Europe, a growing group of states are exploring parallel bans.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". The policy may be passed in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential tools in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to pass a law raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a similar step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in the Netherlands has recommended families to block their children from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for under-16s without parental consent is given. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.
"A clear age restriction is a good first step," said one European lawmaker driving the resolution.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye
In the UK, the administration has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "based on strong data".
Earlier, interest grew behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to investigate the issue.
Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. An organization founded by the family of a girl who was lost after encountering disturbing social media material suggests that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when users become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to create products and services that are safe and age appropriate for children," said a influential peer.
America: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, regulation is mostly happening at the state level amid national inaction.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has passed a rule limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further use needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws mandating adult authorization for minors to create social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from certain politicians to mimic this example, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Views
Outside of these regions, further nations are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.
However, global organizations strike a more measured tone. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The agency notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve safety.
Even as this global debate evolves, the policies of Australia and others show that policymakers around the world are no longer content to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.
