Australia's decisive action to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are observing intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
The European Trend
In Europe, a rising group of nations are exploring parallel bans.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that smartphones and apps are "robbing our children's innocence". The policy could be enacted next year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to approve a bill increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a similar step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Dutch government has advised families to block their kids from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the move does not enact binding law.
"A clear age restriction is a good starting point," said a leading parliamentarian behind the resolution.
Britain: A Cautious Eye
In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any action must be "supported by robust evidence".
Last year, interest grew behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to investigate the issue.
Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. One foundation founded by the family of a teenager who took her own life after viewing disturbing online content argues that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when users become eligible.
"This ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are safe and fit for minors," said a leading child protection advocate.
America: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, action is primarily occurring at the local level against a backdrop of national stalemate.
- Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation capping under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with extra access dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures demanding guardian approval for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from certain politicians to follow the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Perspectives
Beyond Europe and the US, additional nations are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
However, global bodies strike a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "might backfire". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve safety.
As this global conversation unfolds, the policies of Australia and its followers indicate that governments internationally are no longer content to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.
