Australia's controversial action to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
The European Movement
Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of countries are exploring parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that phones and platforms are "taking away our children's youth". The policy may be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban is "an tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to pass a law lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The government in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for minors unless guardian approval is given. While it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the move does not create enforceable legislation.
"A strong age barrier is a good starting point," said one European lawmaker supporting the initiative.
Britain: A Watchful Eye
In the UK, the government has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "supported by conclusive evidence".
Previously, interest gathered behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the government pledged to further research the topic.
Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a teenager who died after being exposed to harmful platform posts argues that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when users turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for minors," commented a leading peer.
America: A Decentralized Landscape
Stateside, action is primarily happening at the regional level amid country-wide inaction.
- Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a measure barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a regulation restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further time dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws mandating guardian approval for minors to open social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain individuals to copy the Australian path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Perspectives
Beyond Europe and the US, other countries are likewise taking action.
- The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, global bodies adopt a more measured tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
While this global conversation continues, the steps of this nation and several other countries show that policymakers internationally are less and less willing to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.
