The Australian controversial action to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are observing intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.
The European Trend
Across Europe, a growing chorus of states are moving toward parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and apps are "stealing our kids' youth". Legislation may be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the tools under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the president has called on lawmakers to approve a bill raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding statement calling for a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is granted. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" design of these apps, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.
"A strong age barrier is a solid foundation," commented the parliamentarian driving the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any action must be "grounded in robust evidence".
Earlier, momentum grew behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the administration pledged to further research the topic.
Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. One foundation founded by the relatives of a young person who died after being exposed to dangerous platform posts suggests that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when teens turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to build products and services that are appropriate and suitable for children," stated a leading child protection advocate.
The United States: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, legislation is primarily unfolding at the local government level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.
- Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further time needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures demanding adult authorization for under-16s to create social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain figures to mimic the Australian path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Views
Outside of these regions, further countries are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, global organizations adopt a more nuanced tone. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.
As this international discussion continues, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that governments around the world are no longer content to delay for the industry to self-regulate.
