The Australian bold policy to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are watching intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.
European Momentum
Across Europe, a rising number of states are moving toward parallel measures.
- The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". The policy is expected to be formalized soon.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has urged parliament to enact a proposal raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Dutch government has recommended families to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory statement calling for a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is granted. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.
"An effective age restriction is a solid foundation," said a leading European lawmaker behind the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance
Across Britain, the administration has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any action must be "supported by conclusive evidence".
Last year, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the administration committed to further research the issue.
Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. One foundation established by the family of a girl who took her own life after encountering dangerous platform posts argues that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for children," stated a influential online safety campaigner.
America: A Decentralized Picture
Stateside, action is mostly happening at the local level due to federal stalemate.
- Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has passed a law banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a rule limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra use needing parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills requiring adult authorization for under-16s to create social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain figures to mimic the Australian example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Perspectives
Outside of these regions, further nations are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.
However, global organizations strike a more measured stance. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could backfire". The body notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.
While this global discussion unfolds, the policies of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers globally are increasingly willing to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.
