The Australian controversial action to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are observing closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
The European Movement
Across Europe, a growing chorus of countries are moving toward comparable measures.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our kids' youth". A law may be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban could be "one of the tools on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on parliament to enact a bill increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a related action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their children from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.
"An effective age restriction is a solid starting point," stated a leading MEP supporting the initiative.
Britain: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in strong data".
Previously, support gathered behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government pledged to further research the issue.
Advocacy groups have raised concerns. An organization established by the family of a girl who was lost after encountering disturbing platform posts suggests that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," said a prominent child protection advocate.
The United States: A State-by-State Approach
In the United States, action is mostly unfolding at the state government level amid national gridlock.
- Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has passed a bill banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a regulation restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra time requiring a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills demanding adult authorization for minors to set up social media accounts.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from certain figures to mimic this lead, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Apart from these regions, other states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, world organizations take a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in safety.
As this international discussion evolves, the policies of Australia and its followers show that states around the world are no longer content to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.
