The Australian bold action to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and families are monitoring closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Trend
Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of nations are moving toward similar bans.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that phones and platforms are "taking away our children's innocence". A law could be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an similar ban remains "one of the measures on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to enact a bill increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Dutch government has advised guardians to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for minors unless parental consent is granted. Although it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.
"An effective age barrier is a good first step," said one European lawmaker behind the measure.
Britain: A Watchful Approach
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "based on conclusive evidence".
Earlier, support grew behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the administration committed to further research the matter.
Charities have raised apprehensions. One foundation set up by the family of a girl who died after viewing disturbing online content suggests that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when teens reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to design tools that are safe and fit for children," stated a prominent child protection advocate.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, legislation is largely unfolding at the regional government level due to federal inaction.
- Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has signed a bill barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has passed a law restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional use requiring parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures requiring adult authorization for under-16s to create social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from some figures to mimic Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.
International Outlook
Apart from these regions, other nations are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, world organizations adopt a more measured tone. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in user protection.
While this international conversation evolves, the policies of this nation and its followers show that policymakers around the world are less and less willing to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.
