The Australian decisive policy to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.
European Trend
Across Europe, a rising group of states are considering comparable restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our kids' youth". A law could be passed in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "an measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has urged parliament to pass a proposal raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their kids from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding motion calling for a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is given. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not establish binding law.
"A strong age barrier is a good starting point," stated the parliamentarian supporting the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance
In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any action must be "based on strong evidence".
Last year, momentum built behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the topic.
Campaign organizations have raised warnings. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after being exposed to harmful online content suggests that a strict age ban may not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are safe and fit for young users," said a influential online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Fragmented Approach
Across America, legislation is largely occurring at the local level due to country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has signed a law prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a regulation limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional time dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures demanding adult authorization for under-16s to create social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from certain individuals to copy Australia's example, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Views
Beyond the West, other nations are similarly considering moves.
- The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, international bodies take a more cautious stance. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.
As this global conversation unfolds, the steps of Australia and others show that policymakers around the world are increasingly willing to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.
