Australia's controversial move to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Trend
Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of nations are considering comparable restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our kids' innocence". The policy may be formalized soon.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "power of the AI".
- The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban remains "an measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has asked parliament to approve a bill increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a related move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended parents to restrict their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the step does not establish mandatory rules.
"An effective age barrier is a useful foundation," said the MEP supporting the resolution.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any action must be "supported by conclusive data".
Last year, support gathered behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the government pledged to investigate the matter.
Advocacy groups have raised concerns. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after viewing dangerous online content argues that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for minors," commented a leading child protection advocate.
America: A Decentralized Picture
In the United States, legislation is mostly unfolding at the state level due to national stalemate.
- Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has signed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has approved a law limiting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with additional use needing parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed measures demanding guardian approval for minors to create social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from various politicians to mimic this example, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Perspectives
Beyond Europe and the US, additional nations are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, international bodies take a more measured position. Unicef has warned that social media bans carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The agency points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
Even as this worldwide debate continues, the actions of the Australian government and its followers indicate that states globally are no longer prepared to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
