The Australian decisive action to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
European Trend
Throughout Europe, a growing group of states are exploring comparable measures.
- The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our children's innocence". Legislation could be enacted soon.
- Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "influence of the AI".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the options on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to pass a proposal increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a related move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has urged parents to block their children from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic statement demanding a ban for minors without parental consent is provided. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the step does not establish binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a useful foundation," commented the MEP behind the resolution.
Britain: A Watchful Eye
Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "supported by robust evidence".
Previously, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the issue.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous platform posts argues that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to create products and services that are safe and fit for young users," commented a prominent peer.
America: A Decentralized Approach
Stateside, regulation is largely happening at the state government level amid federal inaction.
- Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has signed a law barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further use requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills requiring parental consent for teenagers to create social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from some politicians to mimic the Australian path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Global Views
Beyond the West, further nations are similarly considering moves.
- The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, world bodies strike a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The agency points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.
As this international debate evolves, the actions of Australia and its followers indicate that policymakers around the world are increasingly willing to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.
