The Australian decisive policy to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are observing intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Momentum
In Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are moving toward comparable measures.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that phones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". The policy could be enacted soon.
- The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an similar ban is "an options under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to pass a law increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a non-binding motion supporting a ban for minors except if guardian approval is provided. While it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the step does not enact mandatory rules.
"A clear age limit is a good first step," commented a leading parliamentarian driving the initiative.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance
For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "based on conclusive research".
Last year, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the matter.
Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. One foundation established by the relatives of a girl who died after encountering dangerous platform posts contends that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when users turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to create tools that are secure and fit for children," commented a influential online safety campaigner.
America: A Fragmented Approach
Across America, regulation is primarily occurring at the regional government level due to country-wide gridlock.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a measure barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
- The state of Virginia has approved a law restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional time needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills mandating guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from various figures to copy the Australian path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.
Global Views
Apart from Europe and the US, other countries are likewise considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, world organizations take a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve user protection.
As this worldwide conversation continues, the policies of the Australian government and others demonstrate that policymakers internationally are increasingly willing to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.