Australia's controversial move to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and parents are observing intently to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.
European Trend
Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of countries are exploring comparable measures.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". A law could be enacted soon.
- The Norwegian government is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "an options on the table".
- In Spain, the president has asked parliament to pass a bill raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a related move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory motion supporting a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it warns of the "addictive" design of these apps, the move does not enact mandatory rules.
"An effective age limit is a solid first step," commented a leading parliamentarian behind the resolution.
Britain: A Watchful Approach
Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any action must be "grounded in conclusive research".
Previously, support gathered behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the administration pledged to further research the matter.
Charities have raised warnings. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a young person who died after being exposed to dangerous social media material suggests that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when young people become eligible.
"This ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," stated a prominent peer.
The United States: A Decentralized Approach
In the United States, action is primarily occurring at the state level amid country-wide gridlock.
- Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a law prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a regulation capping under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra time dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws mandating parental consent for teenagers to set up social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from some figures to mimic this path, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Perspectives
Outside of Europe and the US, other nations are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, international agencies take a more measured position. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The body points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve safety.
As this worldwide debate continues, the actions of Australia and others indicate that policymakers globally are increasingly prepared to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.