The Australian bold policy to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Movement
In Europe, a growing chorus of countries are exploring comparable measures.
- The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". A law could be formalized next year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an similar ban remains "an options on the table".
- In Spain, the president has called on parliament to approve a proposal increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age limit is a useful foundation," commented a leading European lawmaker behind the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance
In the UK, the government has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "supported by strong research".
Earlier, support built behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the issue.
Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. An organization set up by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after viewing dangerous platform posts suggests that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to build products and services that are secure and suitable for young users," stated a influential peer.
The US: A State-by-State Picture
In the United States, regulation is largely unfolding at the local government level amid national inaction.
- Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a law barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a rule limiting minors to one hour of social media access per day, with extra use requiring adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws requiring parental consent for under-16s to open social media profiles.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from certain individuals to copy Australia's lead, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Views
Outside of these regions, further countries are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, world organizations adopt a more measured stance. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "may even backfire". The agency notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in safety.
While this global debate unfolds, the policies of Australia and its followers show that states around the world are increasingly willing to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.
