The Australian controversial policy to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are observing intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a growing group of states are considering similar measures.
- The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our children's childhood". A law could be formalized soon.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential measures on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to pass a bill lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is provided. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A strong age barrier is a good starting point," said a leading parliamentarian supporting the resolution.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach
For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "based on robust data".
Last year, momentum built behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the administration committed to investigate the topic.
Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to harmful platform posts contends that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to create tools that are secure and fit for children," said a prominent child protection advocate.
America: A State-by-State Landscape
In the United States, action is largely occurring at the state government level due to federal inaction.
- The state of Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a bill barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a rule restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra use requiring parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws requiring parental consent for minors to create social media accounts.
Despite widespread concern and calls from some individuals to copy Australia's example, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.
International Perspectives
Apart from these regions, other states are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, world agencies take a more nuanced stance. Unicef has warned that social media bans carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The body highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.
As this global debate evolves, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that governments globally are no longer content to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.
