The Australian controversial move to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
The European Momentum
In Europe, a increasing chorus of states are considering parallel measures.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that phones and networks are "robbing our children's innocence". The policy could be enacted soon.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an similar ban is "a potential options in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to pass a law raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Netherlands has advised families to prevent their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a advisory statement supporting a ban for minors unless guardian approval is granted. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the step does not enact mandatory rules.
"A strong age limit is a useful first step," commented the MEP behind the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance
For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by robust evidence".
Earlier, support gathered behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government committed to further research the matter.
Charities have expressed concerns. An organization established by the family of a girl who took her own life after encountering dangerous social media material suggests that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when users become eligible.
"This ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for minors," commented a influential online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Fragmented Approach
In the United States, regulation is mostly unfolding at the local level due to country-wide inaction.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a measure barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has passed a rule capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra time requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed bills mandating adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from some politicians to follow Australia's path, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Global Outlook
Beyond Europe and the US, further nations are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
However, international bodies strike a more nuanced position. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could backfire". The agency notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.
While this global conversation unfolds, the policies of this nation and several other countries indicate that policymakers around the world are less and less prepared to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.
