Australia's controversial move to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Trend
In Europe, a increasing group of countries are exploring comparable restrictions.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that phones and networks are "robbing our children's youth". Legislation could be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "power of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the measures on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to enact a proposal lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The government in the Netherlands has advised parents to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding statement demanding a ban for minors except if parental consent is granted. While it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the resolution does not enact binding law.
"A strong age restriction is a solid foundation," commented the parliamentarian supporting the resolution.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in robust data".
Earlier, interest built behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. However, the administration vowed to further research the issue.
Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. An organization founded by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after viewing disturbing social media material argues that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens turn 16.
"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to create tools that are secure and age appropriate for young users," said a leading online safety campaigner.
The United States: A State-by-State Picture
In the United States, regulation is primarily happening at the regional level against a backdrop of national inaction.
- The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a law banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has passed a law limiting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with additional access needing adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures mandating adult authorization for teenagers to open social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from some figures to mimic Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
International Views
Beyond the West, other countries are also taking action.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, global bodies adopt a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this international conversation unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that states internationally are increasingly content to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
