Australia's controversial action to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and families are watching intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Trend
In Europe, a growing group of states are exploring similar bans.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation is expected to be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "an measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to pass a bill increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their children from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the step does not establish binding law.
"An effective age barrier is a useful foundation," said one European lawmaker supporting the measure.
Britain: A Cautious Eye
In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any action must be "supported by strong evidence".
Previously, support gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. However, the government pledged to further research the topic.
Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. One foundation set up by the family of a young person who died after viewing harmful online content contends that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are appropriate and suitable for young users," commented a influential peer.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
In the United States, regulation is mostly happening at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.
- Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has passed a measure barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a law limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra time dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted bills demanding guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from various figures to follow the Australian path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Perspectives
Outside of these regions, other countries are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.
But, international bodies adopt a more cautious stance. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might backfire". The organization points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.
As this worldwide discussion continues, the steps of Australia and its followers show that states internationally are increasingly content to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.
