Australia's decisive action to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are moving toward similar measures.
- The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that phones and networks are "stealing our children's childhood". Legislation is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the AI".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to enact a proposal increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a comparable action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Netherlands has advised guardians to block their children from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the step does not establish mandatory rules.
"A strong age barrier is a solid starting point," said a leading European lawmaker driving the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye
For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "grounded in conclusive research".
Previously, momentum built behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government pledged to conduct more studies the issue.
Charities have voiced concerns. An organization founded by the family of a teenager who took her own life after encountering disturbing platform posts suggests that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create products and services that are safe and age appropriate for minors," commented a prominent peer.
The US: A State-by-State Approach
Stateside, action is largely occurring at the state government level amid country-wide gridlock.
- Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has passed a measure banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a law restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra use needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed bills demanding guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from various politicians to follow Australia's example, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Global Perspectives
Outside of Europe and the US, other countries are similarly taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, international bodies adopt a more cautious position. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could backfire". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve user protection.
While this worldwide debate unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and its followers indicate that policymakers globally are less and less content to delay for the industry to self-regulate.
