The Australian controversial policy to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Momentum
Across Europe, a rising group of nations are moving toward comparable bans.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that phones and platforms are "robbing our children's childhood". Legislation is expected to be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "influence of the AI".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "an measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to enact a law lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has urged families to restrict their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic motion demanding a ban for minors unless parental consent is provided. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the step does not create mandatory rules.
"A clear age restriction is a good starting point," stated the parliamentarian behind the initiative.
The UK: A Watchful Stance
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by conclusive data".
Earlier, support gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. However, the administration committed to conduct more studies the issue.
Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. One foundation set up by the family of a young person who died after being exposed to harmful platform posts suggests that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when young people turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," commented a prominent peer.
The US: A State-by-State Picture
In the United States, action is mostly unfolding at the regional level amid national gridlock.
- Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a regulation capping minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional time dependent on parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures demanding guardian approval for minors to open social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from various politicians to follow the Australian example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Outside of these regions, other countries are similarly considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, global bodies take a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The organization points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in user protection.
While this worldwide debate continues, the policies of Australia and others indicate that policymakers internationally are no longer prepared to wait for the industry to self-regulate.
