The Australian controversial action to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are observing closely to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.
European Trend
In Europe, a rising number of states are considering parallel restrictions.
- The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that phones and platforms are "taking away our children's childhood". The policy may be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an similar ban is "an tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has urged parliament to approve a law lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The government in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a advisory resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is given. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the resolution does not establish binding law.
"An effective age restriction is a useful starting point," said the parliamentarian supporting the initiative.
The UK: A Cautious Eye
In the UK, the government has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in conclusive data".
Earlier, interest gathered behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the matter.
Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. One foundation founded by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after viewing harmful platform posts suggests that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to design products and services that are appropriate and suitable for minors," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.
America: A Fragmented Picture
In the United States, legislation is primarily occurring at the regional government level due to federal gridlock.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a law banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a regulation capping minors to one hour of social media use per day, with additional use requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures demanding adult authorization for minors to set up social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from certain individuals to mimic the Australian path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, additional countries are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, world agencies take a more cautious tone. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The body highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.
As this international discussion evolves, the steps of the Australian government and others indicate that states around the world are increasingly content to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.
