The Australian controversial policy to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are observing intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
The European Movement
Across Europe, a rising chorus of countries are moving toward comparable bans.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that phones and networks are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". A law is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential measures on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to approve a proposal lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Dutch government has advised parents to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a non-binding motion calling for a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is granted. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not enact binding law.
"A strong age restriction is a useful first step," commented the parliamentarian driving the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach
Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any action must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".
Earlier, momentum built behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the topic.
Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. One foundation set up by the family of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous online content suggests that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when teens reach the legal age.
"This ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," stated a leading peer.
America: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, regulation is primarily unfolding at the local government level due to national gridlock.
- Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a measure banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a rule capping under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with extra access needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures requiring parental consent for minors to set up social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from some figures to copy this lead, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.
International Perspectives
Outside of these regions, other nations are also exploring options.
- The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.
However, international organizations strike a more measured tone. Unicef has warned that social media bans carry risks and "could backfire". The body notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
Even as this international discussion evolves, the steps of the Australian government and its followers indicate that governments around the world are increasingly prepared to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.
