Australia's decisive move to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
The European Movement
Across Europe, a rising chorus of countries are considering parallel measures.
- The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that phones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". The policy is expected to be formalized next year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential options in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the president has called on lawmakers to pass a law increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is provided. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these services, the step does not establish mandatory rules.
"A strong age barrier is a solid first step," said one European lawmaker driving the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye
Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in conclusive research".
Last year, support grew behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the government vowed to further research the matter.
Charities have raised concerns. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after encountering dangerous online content suggests that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.
"This ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to build tools that are appropriate and suitable for young users," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
Across America, regulation is largely unfolding at the local level amid country-wide gridlock.
- The state of Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a bill barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with additional access needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed bills requiring adult authorization for under-16s to open social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some figures to follow this example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Global Perspectives
Outside of the West, further nations are likewise taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, world organizations adopt a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even backfire". The agency notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve user protection.
Even as this global conversation continues, the steps of Australia and its followers indicate that policymakers globally are increasingly willing to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.
