The Australian decisive action to ban social media access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.
Across Europe Movement
Throughout Europe, a increasing group of countries are considering similar measures.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and apps are "taking away our children's childhood". The policy could be passed next year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to enact a proposal increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a comparable action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Dutch government has recommended parents to restrict their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding motion demanding a ban for under-16s without parental consent is provided. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.
"A strong age barrier is a solid foundation," commented the parliamentarian behind the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance
Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "based on strong data".
Earlier, momentum built behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the government vowed to investigate the topic.
Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a young person who died after encountering dangerous social media material suggests that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to create tools that are safe and age appropriate for young users," commented a influential peer.
The United States: A Decentralized Approach
Across America, regulation is largely unfolding at the local government level due to country-wide inaction.
- Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a law barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has passed a rule capping teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with additional access requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills mandating guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from certain figures to mimic this example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Perspectives
Outside of these regions, other countries are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, international agencies take a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might backfire". The organization points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.
As this international discussion continues, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers internationally are no longer content to delay for platforms to self-regulate.
