Australia's decisive policy to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are observing closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
Across Europe, a increasing number of nations are considering comparable restrictions.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our kids' childhood". The policy may be enacted next year.
- Norway is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to enact a proposal increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Dutch government has urged guardians to prevent their kids from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.
"An effective age barrier is a good first step," commented one parliamentarian driving the measure.
Britain: A Watchful Stance
In the UK, the government has kept open a future ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in robust evidence".
Earlier, interest grew behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration vowed to further research the issue.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. An organization founded by the relatives of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous social media material argues that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people reach the legal age.
"This ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for young users," said a influential child protection advocate.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, regulation is mostly happening at the state level due to national gridlock.
- Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a law prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a law capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional use needing parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills demanding adult authorization for minors to set up social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and calls from some figures to copy this path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.
International Views
Beyond Europe and the US, further states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.
However, world bodies adopt a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve safety.
While this worldwide discussion unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and others indicate that states globally are increasingly prepared to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.
