The Australian decisive move to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and families are watching intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are considering parallel restrictions.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". Legislation could be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to pass a proposal raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Dutch government has advised families to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a symbolic motion demanding a ban for minors except if parental consent is granted. While it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A strong age limit is a good foundation," stated the parliamentarian driving the measure.
Britain: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in conclusive research".
Previously, interest grew behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. However, the administration pledged to further research the matter.
Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after viewing harmful online content contends that a strict age ban might not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to create tools that are safe and age appropriate for minors," said a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A Decentralized Approach
Stateside, action is largely happening at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.
- Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
- The state of Virginia has approved a law capping minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional use needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills requiring parental consent for teenagers to open social media accounts.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from various politicians to mimic Australia's path, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Outlook
Beyond the West, additional countries are also taking action.
- The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, global organizations strike a more measured position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The agency notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.
Even as this worldwide debate evolves, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries show that policymakers globally are less and less content to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.
