The Australian controversial action to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are monitoring closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
Across Europe Trend
In Europe, a rising number of states are exploring similar bans.
- The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that smartphones and apps are "taking away our children's innocence". A law is expected to be enacted next year.
- Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the options on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to approve a bill raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a related move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a advisory resolution supporting a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not create binding law.
"An effective age limit is a useful starting point," commented the parliamentarian supporting the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "supported by strong data".
Previously, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.
Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. An organization set up by the relatives of a girl who was lost after viewing dangerous online content argues that a strict age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users reach the legal age.
"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are safe and fit for young users," said a prominent peer.
The United States: A State-by-State Landscape
Stateside, regulation is mostly happening at the state level against a backdrop of national stalemate.
- Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a law barring under-14s from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has approved a regulation capping under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with any further use requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws demanding parental consent for minors to create social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from some politicians to copy this path, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Global Outlook
Outside of these regions, further states are similarly taking action.
- The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, global agencies strike a more measured tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.
Even as this international discussion continues, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that governments internationally are no longer willing to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.
