The Australian decisive action to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.
The European Momentum
Across Europe, a growing number of countries are considering parallel restrictions.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that phones and platforms are "stealing our children's youth". The policy could be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "an tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to enact a proposal lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has advised parents to restrict their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is granted. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the move does not establish binding law.
"An effective age barrier is a good first step," commented the parliamentarian driving the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but stressing any action must be "supported by strong data".
Earlier, interest built behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government committed to conduct more studies the issue.
Advocacy groups have raised concerns. One foundation established by the family of a girl who died after viewing dangerous social media material argues that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when users turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are appropriate and suitable for young users," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
America: A Fragmented Approach
Across America, action is primarily happening at the local government level due to national gridlock.
- Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a measure prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a rule capping minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional time requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted measures mandating guardian approval for teenagers to open social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from some individuals to mimic this example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Perspectives
Apart from these regions, additional countries are also taking action.
- The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, international organizations strike a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "may even backfire". The agency points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
While this global debate continues, the steps of this nation and others show that states internationally are no longer content to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.
