Australia's controversial move to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are watching closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Trend
Throughout Europe, a growing group of countries are considering comparable measures.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our children's childhood". The policy may be formalized next year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban is "an measures on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has called on the legislature to enact a law raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in the Netherlands has advised guardians to block their children from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory motion demanding a ban for minors except if parental consent is provided. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the step does not create enforceable legislation.
"A strong age limit is a useful foundation," commented one European lawmaker supporting the initiative.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach
In the UK, the administration has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any action must be "based on conclusive research".
Previously, interest grew behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the government vowed to further research the issue.
Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. One foundation founded by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after encountering disturbing online content argues that a simple age ban may not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users turn 16.
"This ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are safe and suitable for young users," said a leading peer.
The United States: A Decentralized Landscape
Stateside, regulation is mostly happening at the local government level amid federal inaction.
- The state of Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has passed a measure barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has passed a rule limiting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra use requiring adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills mandating guardian approval for under-16s to open social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and calls from certain individuals to follow this example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.
International Views
Outside of Europe and the US, other nations are likewise considering moves.
- The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, international bodies strike a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The body highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve safety.
As this international conversation unfolds, the actions of this nation and its followers demonstrate that governments internationally are less and less willing to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.