The Australian decisive move to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.
The European Movement
Across Europe, a rising group of states are considering parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that smartphones and apps are "taking away our kids' innocence". A law may be formalized soon.
- Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the tools on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to enact a proposal raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a related step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has advised families to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory motion demanding a ban for minors unless parental consent is given. While it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not enact binding law.
"A strong age barrier is a solid foundation," commented one MEP driving the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the government has kept open a future ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in robust research".
Previously, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration committed to conduct more studies the matter.
Charities have voiced concerns. A prominent charity founded by the family of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to dangerous social media material suggests that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when young people reach the legal age.
"This ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to create tools that are safe and fit for children," stated a influential peer.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
Stateside, legislation is mostly unfolding at the local government level against a backdrop of national inaction.
- Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has passed a measure banning under-14s from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a law limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional access needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed bills mandating guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media profiles.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain figures to follow the Australian path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Outlook
Outside of these regions, other nations are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
However, global bodies strike a more measured position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even backfire". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.
While this global discussion unfolds, the policies of Australia and several other countries indicate that states internationally are less and less content to delay for the industry to self-regulate.
