Australia's controversial action to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are watching closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
European Momentum
Across Europe, a rising number of countries are exploring similar bans.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". A law could be passed soon.
- Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has urged lawmakers to enact a law raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised families to restrict their children from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory resolution calling for a ban for minors except if guardian approval is given. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the resolution does not create binding law.
"A strong age restriction is a useful foundation," said one MEP driving the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Approach
Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in robust evidence".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the administration committed to investigate the matter.
Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. One foundation established by the family of a girl who was lost after being exposed to disturbing platform posts contends that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," stated a influential peer.
The United States: A Fragmented Approach
In the United States, regulation is primarily unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.
- Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a law banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
- The state of Virginia has approved a regulation limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further use dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed bills requiring guardian approval for minors to open social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some figures to follow this example, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Global Outlook
Beyond the West, further nations are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, global bodies take a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The body notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize safety.
As this international conversation unfolds, the policies of this nation and several other countries indicate that policymakers globally are less and less willing to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.
