The Australian controversial action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of nations are moving toward parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our kids' innocence". The policy may be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban remains "one of the options in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to enact a law lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has urged parents to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a advisory resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is given. While it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A clear age barrier is a useful foundation," stated a leading European lawmaker driving the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance
For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in robust research".
Previously, momentum gathered behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the administration vowed to further research the matter.
Campaign organizations have raised concerns. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after viewing disturbing social media material suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are secure and suitable for minors," stated a leading child protection advocate.
America: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, legislation is mostly unfolding at the state government level due to country-wide inaction.
- Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a law barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has passed a regulation restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further access dependent on parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills requiring guardian approval for teenagers to create social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from some individuals to copy Australia's path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.
International Views
Beyond the West, additional states are also exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, global agencies strike a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The organization points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.
While this global conversation continues, the actions of Australia and several other countries indicate that states around the world are increasingly prepared to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.
