Australia's decisive policy to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are watching intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Momentum
Across Europe, a rising chorus of nations are exploring parallel measures.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that smartphones and networks are "taking away our children's innocence". The policy could be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential options on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to approve a proposal lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The government in The Netherlands has urged guardians to block their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory resolution supporting a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is given. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the move does not create enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a solid foundation," commented the European lawmaker driving the initiative.
The UK: A Watchful Stance
For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a possible ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "based on conclusive evidence".
Earlier, momentum grew behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government committed to further research the matter.
Charities have voiced concerns. One foundation established by the family of a young person who took her own life after viewing disturbing online content argues that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to create products and services that are appropriate and suitable for minors," said a leading peer.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
In the United States, legislation is largely unfolding at the local government level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.
- The state of Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a bill banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a law restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra access needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted bills demanding parental consent for teenagers to create social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain figures to follow this example, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Views
Beyond these regions, other states are similarly considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, international bodies adopt a more cautious position. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The organization notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve user protection.
While this international discussion continues, the policies of this nation and its followers show that states globally are increasingly content to delay for platforms to self-regulate.
