Australia's bold action to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are considering comparable measures.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our kids' childhood". A law could be enacted soon.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an similar ban could be "an options on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to approve a proposal increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory resolution demanding a ban for minors without parental consent is granted. While it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the step does not create mandatory rules.
"A strong age restriction is a solid foundation," stated one parliamentarian driving the measure.
Britain: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "supported by robust data".
Previously, momentum built behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. However, the administration committed to conduct more studies the issue.
Charities have expressed warnings. One foundation founded by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after viewing harmful platform posts argues that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are appropriate and fit for minors," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Decentralized Landscape
Across America, action is largely unfolding at the regional level amid national gridlock.
- Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has signed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
- The state of Virginia has passed a rule restricting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with extra time dependent on adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills mandating adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some politicians to follow Australia's path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Global Outlook
Beyond the West, other countries are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
However, world bodies adopt a more measured tone. Unicef has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The body notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
As this worldwide debate unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries show that policymakers around the world are increasingly content to delay for platforms to self-regulate.
