Australia's controversial action to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Officials, campaigners, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.
Across Europe Momentum
Throughout Europe, a rising number of countries are considering similar restrictions.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our kids' innocence". Legislation may be formalized soon.
- Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the options on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has urged parliament to enact a proposal raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Netherlands has urged families to restrict their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for under-16s without parental consent is given. Even though it warns of the "addictive" design of these apps, the resolution does not create binding law.
"A strong age barrier is a useful starting point," commented the European lawmaker driving the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "based on robust evidence".
Previously, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. However, the government pledged to conduct more studies the issue.
Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the family of a young person who died after viewing disturbing online content contends that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for young users," said a leading peer.
The United States: A Decentralized Approach
In the United States, regulation is primarily happening at the regional level amid country-wide stalemate.
- Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has signed a measure prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra time dependent on adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws demanding parental consent for teenagers to open social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from various figures to follow this lead, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Outside of these regions, further countries are also exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
However, world agencies take a more cautious tone. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in safety.
While this worldwide discussion evolves, the policies of Australia and several other countries show that governments around the world are no longer prepared to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.
