The Australian decisive action to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and families are observing intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
Across Europe, a rising number of nations are exploring similar restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our kids' youth". The policy may be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the measures in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to pass a bill increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in the Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for minors unless parental consent is granted. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the move does not create mandatory rules.
"A strong age barrier is a useful first step," commented a leading European lawmaker supporting the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye
Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "based on strong data".
Last year, support grew behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government pledged to further research the topic.
Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. One foundation established by the family of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous online content suggests that a strict age ban may not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for minors," commented a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
Across America, action is largely happening at the local government level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.
- Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation capping teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional time needing a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures requiring guardian approval for teenagers to open social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from various individuals to follow Australia's path, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.
Global Perspectives
Outside of the West, other countries are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.
However, international bodies take a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.
As this worldwide discussion evolves, the steps of this nation and several other countries indicate that policymakers around the world are increasingly prepared to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
