Australia's decisive move to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are watching intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of nations are exploring similar measures.
- The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". The policy is expected to be passed soon.
- Norway is set to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the AI".
- The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to pass a proposal increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The government in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.
"An effective age restriction is a useful first step," said a leading European lawmaker behind the resolution.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach
In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by strong research".
Previously, support gathered behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the administration vowed to further research the issue.
Campaign organizations have raised warnings. One foundation set up by the family of a young person who was lost after viewing dangerous social media material argues that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for young users," said a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A Fragmented Approach
Stateside, legislation is primarily happening at the local level due to national stalemate.
- Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a law barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has approved a law restricting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional access dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed laws mandating parental consent for under-16s to open social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from certain figures to mimic Australia's example, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.
International Perspectives
Beyond Europe and the US, further states are likewise considering moves.
- The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, world agencies take a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this global conversation unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and its followers indicate that governments globally are increasingly willing to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.
