The Australian decisive action to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.
European Momentum
Across Europe, a growing number of countries are moving toward similar measures.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our children's youth". Legislation could be formalized next year.
- Norway is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the tools on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to enact a bill increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a related action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding statement supporting a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is provided. Although it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the resolution does not enact binding law.
"A strong age barrier is a useful starting point," stated the MEP driving the resolution.
The UK: A Watchful Eye
For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a possible ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in robust data".
Last year, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. However, the government committed to conduct more studies the topic.
Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. An organization founded by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after viewing harmful online content argues that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when young people become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to create products and services that are secure and age appropriate for minors," commented a leading peer.
The United States: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, action is mostly unfolding at the regional level amid country-wide gridlock.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a measure banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has passed a regulation capping teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with extra use requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed measures demanding adult authorization for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from certain individuals to mimic the Australian example, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.
Global Views
Outside of these regions, other nations are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, global agencies adopt a more measured position. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The body highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in safety.
As this worldwide conversation evolves, the actions of this nation and its followers show that governments around the world are increasingly prepared to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.
