The Australian bold action to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are observing closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a growing number of countries are moving toward similar restrictions.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". A law may be formalized next year.
- Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the tools on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on the legislature to pass a bill raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Dutch government has recommended parents to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these services, the resolution does not enact binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a solid foundation," stated the MEP behind the resolution.
Britain: A Watchful Eye
Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any action must be "grounded in robust evidence".
Previously, support grew behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. However, the government vowed to further research the issue.
Charities have expressed warnings. An organization founded by the relatives of a teenager who died after viewing dangerous platform posts contends that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens reach the legal age.
"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to build products and services that are secure and fit for minors," commented a prominent peer.
America: A Decentralized Landscape
Stateside, legislation is mostly happening at the regional level amid country-wide stalemate.
- Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has signed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a rule capping minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional time needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills demanding parental consent for minors to open social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from some politicians to mimic Australia's example, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Views
Apart from Europe and the US, additional nations are also exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
However, world bodies adopt a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The organization points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve safety.
While this global conversation unfolds, the steps of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers internationally are less and less content to wait for platforms to self-regulate.
