Australia's controversial move to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are watching intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
Across Europe Trend
Across Europe, a rising group of countries are considering similar measures.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our youngsters' youth". A law may be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "an tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged parliament to enact a bill increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a similar move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic statement calling for a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is given. While it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A clear age limit is a useful foundation," said the European lawmaker supporting the resolution.
Britain: A Cautious Approach
Across Britain, the administration has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in robust evidence".
Previously, momentum grew behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the government vowed to conduct more studies the issue.
Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. An organization set up by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after encountering harmful platform posts argues that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to design tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
America: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, action is primarily happening at the local government level amid country-wide inaction.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a measure barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further access dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws mandating guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from certain figures to follow Australia's example, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.
Global Outlook
Apart from the West, additional nations are also taking action.
- The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, global agencies strike a more measured stance. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve user protection.
As this international conversation unfolds, the actions of Australia and others indicate that policymakers around the world are increasingly prepared to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.
