The Australian controversial policy to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.
European Trend
Across Europe, a rising group of states are considering similar measures.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that phones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". The policy could be formalized soon.
- Norway is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media users. Officials have suggested that an similar ban is "a potential options under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to pass a proposal raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Dutch government has recommended parents to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a advisory motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it warns of the "addictive" quality of these services, the resolution does not create binding law.
"A strong age limit is a useful foundation," commented a leading European lawmaker supporting the initiative.
Britain: A Watchful Approach
For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by conclusive research".
Earlier, support built behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration committed to further research the matter.
Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a teenager who died after viewing disturbing platform posts argues that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to create products and services that are appropriate and suitable for children," said a leading child protection advocate.
The United States: A Decentralized Landscape
Stateside, regulation is primarily happening at the regional government level amid federal inaction.
- Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a regulation restricting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further use dependent on a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills requiring guardian approval for under-16s to create social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from certain figures to follow this lead, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Views
Apart from these regions, further nations are also considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, international organizations take a more measured tone. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The body notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in user protection.
While this global discussion continues, the actions of Australia and others demonstrate that policymakers globally are no longer content to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.
