The Australian bold action to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are observing closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.
European Trend
Throughout Europe, a growing number of countries are considering comparable measures.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". The policy could be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "an measures under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has urged lawmakers to approve a law increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a related move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The government in the Netherlands has advised guardians to block their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the step does not enact binding law.
"A clear age restriction is a good first step," commented the European lawmaker behind the initiative.
The UK: A Watchful Stance
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "based on strong evidence".
Last year, momentum built behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the matter.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after encountering dangerous social media material contends that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users turn 16.
"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," stated a leading peer.
The United States: A State-by-State Landscape
In the United States, regulation is mostly happening at the state level due to country-wide gridlock.
- Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a measure banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a regulation restricting minors to one hour of social media access per day, with extra access dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws requiring parental consent for minors to create social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from various individuals to follow Australia's example, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Beyond Europe and the US, additional countries are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, global agencies adopt a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.
Even as this global conversation evolves, the policies of the Australian government and others show that policymakers globally are increasingly content to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.
