Australia's bold policy to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a growing chorus of countries are moving toward similar measures.
- The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that phones and apps are "taking away our children's youth". A law is expected to be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the options under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to approve a law raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The government in The Dutch government has recommended families to block their children from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory motion calling for a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is granted. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the move does not create binding law.
"An effective age restriction is a solid foundation," commented the parliamentarian behind the initiative.
Britain: A Watchful Eye
In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in conclusive data".
Last year, interest built behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government pledged to conduct more studies the issue.
Advocacy groups have raised concerns. An organization established by the family of a young person who died after viewing disturbing social media material suggests that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to create products and services that are appropriate and fit for minors," said a influential peer.
The United States: A Decentralized Landscape
In the United States, legislation is primarily happening at the local level due to national inaction.
- Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has passed a measure prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional time needing adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws mandating adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various figures to copy Australia's lead, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.
International Perspectives
Apart from these regions, further states are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.
But, world organizations take a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could backfire". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in safety.
As this worldwide discussion evolves, the policies of Australia and several other countries indicate that policymakers around the world are less and less content to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
