Australia's controversial policy to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are observing closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.
The European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of states are exploring similar measures.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that smartphones and apps are "stealing our children's childhood". A law could be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to enact a proposal raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a related action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The government in The Dutch government has urged guardians to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic statement supporting a ban for minors unless parental consent is granted. Although it warns of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.
"A clear age limit is a good foundation," said one MEP supporting the resolution.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "based on conclusive data".
Last year, interest built behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the government pledged to conduct more studies the matter.
Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. An organization established by the loved ones of a teenager who died after being exposed to disturbing online content contends that a simple age ban might not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when teens become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to create products and services that are secure and age appropriate for young users," stated a influential online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Fragmented Landscape
Stateside, action is largely happening at the local level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.
- The state of Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a measure banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law limiting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional use needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced measures demanding adult authorization for teenagers to open social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain individuals to follow Australia's example, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Global Views
Apart from Europe and the US, other states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, global bodies take a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even backfire". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in safety.
Even as this worldwide debate unfolds, the policies of Australia and others show that policymakers internationally are increasingly content to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.
