Australia's decisive action to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and families are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
The European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a growing group of states are considering similar measures.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". The policy is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the options under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has called on parliament to approve a law lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a related move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a advisory resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is given. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the step does not enact binding law.
"A strong age limit is a solid foundation," stated a leading parliamentarian behind the resolution.
Britain: A Watchful Eye
Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "supported by conclusive data".
Last year, support grew behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the issue.
Charities have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a young person who died after being exposed to disturbing platform posts argues that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to design tools that are secure and fit for minors," stated a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, regulation is primarily unfolding at the state level due to national inaction.
- Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further time dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills demanding adult authorization for under-16s to create social media profiles.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain figures to follow this lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Perspectives
Apart from Europe and the US, other nations are similarly exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, international bodies take a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The body highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in user protection.
As this global conversation unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries show that policymakers around the world are less and less willing to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
