Australia's controversial action to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, campaigners, and parents are observing closely to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
Throughout Europe, a rising number of states are considering comparable bans.
- The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that smartphones and apps are "taking away our children's childhood". A law is expected to be enacted soon.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Officials have suggested that an similar ban remains "a potential measures on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to approve a bill increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Netherlands has advised guardians to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.
"A clear age limit is a useful foundation," said one European lawmaker driving the measure.
Britain: A Cautious Approach
For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by robust research".
Previously, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the government committed to further research the topic.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. One foundation founded by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after encountering disturbing platform posts argues that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to build tools that are appropriate and fit for minors," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A Fragmented Picture
In the United States, legislation is primarily occurring at the local government level against a backdrop of national gridlock.
- The state of Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has signed a bill banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has approved a regulation limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra time dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws requiring guardian approval for minors to set up social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and calls from certain politicians to copy Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Worldwide Perspectives
Apart from the West, further states are also exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, international organizations strike a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might backfire". The body notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.
As this worldwide discussion unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and others demonstrate that governments around the world are increasingly content to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.
