The Australian controversial move to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and families are observing closely to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.
European Movement
Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of nations are considering parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our kids' youth". The policy could be passed next year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an similar ban is "one of the measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to enact a law raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a related step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their children from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is given. While it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these services, the move does not create binding law.
"An effective age limit is a solid foundation," stated a leading parliamentarian supporting the initiative.
The UK: A Watchful Stance
For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "supported by strong evidence".
Earlier, interest grew behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the matter.
Charities have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after being exposed to harmful social media material contends that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when users become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to create products and services that are safe and suitable for minors," said a influential peer.
The US: A Fragmented Picture
Stateside, legislation is primarily happening at the state government level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.
- The state of Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a measure banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a rule restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra use requiring parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed laws requiring guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from certain politicians to copy Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Views
Outside of the West, other countries are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.
But, global agencies adopt a more cautious tone. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The body notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in safety.
While this global conversation continues, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that states internationally are less and less prepared to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.
