Australia's bold policy to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
European Trend
Across Europe, a increasing group of countries are moving toward similar bans.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our children's childhood". Legislation may be formalized next year.
- Norway is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban could be "an options in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to enact a law raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a similar action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has urged guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is provided. Although it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.
"A clear age barrier is a good foundation," commented the MEP supporting the resolution.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance
In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "supported by conclusive data".
Earlier, support gathered behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration committed to conduct more studies the matter.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. An organization founded by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after encountering dangerous platform posts argues that a simple age ban might not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when young people become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," said a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
Stateside, action is largely happening at the local government level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.
- The state of Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a bill barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
- The state of Virginia has passed a law capping minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional time requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills requiring parental consent for under-16s to create social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from some politicians to follow this path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.
International Outlook
Outside of the West, further nations are similarly considering moves.
- The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, world bodies adopt a more measured position. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The body points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.
While this international conversation continues, the actions of Australia and several other countries indicate that policymakers globally are increasingly content to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.
