The Australian controversial move to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are observing closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Trend
Throughout Europe, a growing group of states are moving toward parallel measures.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that phones and apps are "robbing our kids' childhood". Legislation is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential options under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on parliament to enact a law raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Netherlands has urged parents to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a advisory resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it warns of the "addictive" quality of these services, the move does not establish binding law.
"A strong age barrier is a solid starting point," said a leading parliamentarian supporting the initiative.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in strong research".
Last year, support built behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the government pledged to conduct more studies the matter.
Charities have expressed concerns. One foundation set up by the relatives of a young person who was lost after being exposed to disturbing social media material contends that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to design tools that are secure and fit for minors," stated a influential child protection advocate.
The United States: A Fragmented Picture
In the United States, regulation is primarily unfolding at the state government level amid national gridlock.
- The state of Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a law barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a rule limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra use dependent on a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills requiring adult authorization for under-16s to create social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from various individuals to copy the Australian example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Beyond Europe and the US, further countries are also taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, global organizations take a more measured stance. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The body points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in safety.
Even as this global conversation continues, the policies of Australia and others indicate that policymakers globally are no longer content to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.
