Australia's controversial policy to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are watching closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Trend
In Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are exploring comparable restrictions.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and networks are "taking away our kids' youth". Legislation could be enacted next year.
- Norway is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "influence of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the measures on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to pass a proposal raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Netherlands has recommended families to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding statement calling for a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.
"A clear age limit is a useful starting point," commented the European lawmaker driving the initiative.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance
For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "based on robust evidence".
Previously, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. However, the government vowed to investigate the issue.
Charities have voiced concerns. One foundation set up by the family of a girl who was lost after viewing dangerous social media material contends that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are appropriate and suitable for minors," said a influential online safety campaigner.
America: A State-by-State Landscape
Stateside, regulation is mostly unfolding at the state level amid national inaction.
- Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has signed a measure banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has passed a rule capping minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra access needing adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills mandating adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media profiles.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from various individuals to mimic this example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Outlook
Beyond these regions, further countries are likewise exploring options.
- The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, international agencies adopt a more cautious tone. Unicef has warned that social media bans have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The body highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.
Even as this worldwide conversation continues, the policies of Australia and its followers indicate that states internationally are no longer willing to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.