Australia's decisive policy to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
European Momentum
In Europe, a rising number of countries are moving toward parallel measures.
- The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that phones and networks are "robbing our children's childhood". The policy may be passed soon.
- Norway is set to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "an measures on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has urged parliament to enact a proposal increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a related step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The government in the Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a advisory resolution calling for a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is provided. While it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A strong age barrier is a good starting point," stated one European lawmaker behind the initiative.
Britain: A Cautious Stance
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "based on conclusive data".
Earlier, support grew behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration committed to investigate the topic.
Charities have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the family of a young person who died after encountering disturbing online content argues that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to design tools that are safe and age appropriate for children," said a leading peer.
The United States: A Fragmented Approach
Across America, action is primarily happening at the local level amid national stalemate.
- Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has passed a measure prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has passed a regulation capping minors to one hour of social media access per day, with extra time requiring parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws requiring guardian approval for teenagers to create social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from various figures to copy the Australian example, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
International Perspectives
Beyond these regions, further nations are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
However, global organizations strike a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even backfire". The organization points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in user protection.
Even as this worldwide conversation continues, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that governments around the world are less and less content to delay for platforms to self-regulate.
