Australia's decisive policy to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are observing closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Movement
In Europe, a rising group of nations are exploring parallel measures.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that smartphones and networks are "taking away our kids' youth". Legislation is expected to be passed soon.
- Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban remains "a potential measures on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to enact a law increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a related move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Dutch government has advised families to prevent their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic statement calling for a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the step does not enact binding law.
"A strong age restriction is a good starting point," commented one European lawmaker supporting the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye
In the UK, the government has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any action must be "supported by strong research".
Last year, interest built behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the topic.
Campaign organizations have raised concerns. A prominent charity set up by the family of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous social media material argues that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to create tools that are appropriate and suitable for children," stated a influential peer.
The United States: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, action is primarily unfolding at the regional level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.
- Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has signed a measure barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a rule capping under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with additional use requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed measures demanding parental consent for under-16s to set up social media profiles.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain figures to mimic Australia's path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.
International Outlook
Outside of the West, other nations are also considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, international organizations take a more cautious stance. Unicef has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even backfire". The body notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in user protection.
Even as this international debate evolves, the steps of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers internationally are less and less content to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
