The Australian bold policy to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are watching closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are considering parallel measures.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our kids' innocence". The policy is expected to be formalized soon.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an similar ban remains "one of the measures on the table".
- In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to enact a proposal raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised guardians to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory motion demanding a ban for minors without guardian approval is given. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the step does not establish binding law.
"A clear age limit is a good first step," commented one parliamentarian supporting the measure.
Britain: A Cautious Eye
Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "based on conclusive research".
Previously, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the administration pledged to investigate the topic.
Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. An organization founded by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous social media material suggests that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when young people turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to create tools that are secure and fit for young users," said a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A Decentralized Landscape
Stateside, legislation is mostly unfolding at the local government level due to federal stalemate.
- The state of Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has passed a law prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a rule limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further time dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws mandating adult authorization for under-16s to open social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from certain politicians to follow Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
International Outlook
Beyond Europe and the US, other states are similarly considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, global bodies adopt a more measured position. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The body highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.
As this global discussion evolves, the policies of this nation and several other countries show that governments around the world are increasingly prepared to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.
