Australia's bold move to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are watching intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.
Across Europe Trend
Throughout Europe, a growing group of countries are considering similar bans.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our children's youth". A law could be enacted soon.
- Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban could be "an measures on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has urged parliament to pass a proposal raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their children from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a symbolic motion calling for a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age limit is a good first step," said the parliamentarian behind the resolution.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but insisting any action must be "supported by conclusive data".
Previously, interest gathered behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the matter.
Advocacy groups have raised warnings. One foundation founded by the relatives of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous online content argues that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to create tools that are appropriate and suitable for minors," said a prominent peer.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
Across America, action is mostly unfolding at the state government level against a backdrop of national inaction.
- Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a regulation limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further use dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills mandating adult authorization for teenagers to open social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from various figures to follow the Australian example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Global Views
Beyond these regions, other countries are likewise taking action.
- The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.
However, world bodies strike a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in user protection.
While this global discussion unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that states internationally are increasingly prepared to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
