Australia's decisive move to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are watching closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.
Across Europe Movement
Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of states are considering similar measures.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that phones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' youth". A law may be enacted soon.
- The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "an options under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has asked parliament to approve a law lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended parents to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory statement demanding a ban for minors without guardian approval is granted. Although it warns of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.
"A strong age limit is a good starting point," said a leading European lawmaker supporting the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "based on conclusive research".
Last year, interest gathered behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. However, the administration vowed to further research the issue.
Campaign organizations have raised concerns. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after viewing harmful platform posts argues that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to design tools that are safe and fit for young users," said a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
In the United States, legislation is primarily occurring at the regional government level amid federal gridlock.
- Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has passed a law barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has passed a rule limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further time requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws demanding guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from various figures to mimic this example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Global Perspectives
Apart from the West, other states are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, global organizations adopt a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could backfire". The body points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve safety.
Even as this worldwide debate unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that states globally are less and less prepared to wait for the industry to self-regulate.
