The Australian controversial move to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are observing intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Movement
Across Europe, a increasing chorus of states are considering parallel bans.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that phones and networks are "stealing our children's youth". The policy could be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the options under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to enact a law raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The government in The Dutch government has recommended parents to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding statement calling for a ban for minors unless parental consent is given. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not establish binding law.
"A strong age barrier is a solid foundation," commented the MEP driving the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any action must be "supported by conclusive research".
Earlier, support built behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration committed to conduct more studies the issue.
Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. An organization founded by the family of a young person who was lost after being exposed to disturbing online content suggests that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when young people reach the legal age.
"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to create tools that are appropriate and suitable for children," said a influential online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
In the United States, regulation is primarily occurring at the regional level amid national stalemate.
- Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has passed a law prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a rule capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra access needing parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws mandating adult authorization for under-16s to create social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from various individuals to follow Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Views
Beyond these regions, other states are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, world organizations adopt a more measured stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in safety.
As this international debate unfolds, the steps of Australia and others indicate that states around the world are no longer content to wait for platforms to self-regulate.
