The Australian decisive policy to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are watching intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.
European Trend
Across Europe, a increasing group of countries are moving toward parallel measures.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". The policy could be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to pass a bill lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a similar move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to prevent their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is provided. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.
"A clear age limit is a good foundation," stated a leading MEP behind the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by conclusive research".
Previously, momentum grew behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the administration committed to investigate the issue.
Charities have voiced warnings. One foundation founded by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens turn 16.
"This ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to build products and services that are appropriate and fit for minors," said a leading peer.
The United States: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, regulation is largely unfolding at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.
- Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a measure banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a rule restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further access needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures demanding guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some politicians to follow this example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Global Perspectives
Outside of Europe and the US, additional nations are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
However, world organizations strike a more measured tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The organization notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.
As this worldwide debate unfolds, the policies of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that governments globally are no longer content to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.
