Australia's bold move to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are observing closely to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.
European Trend
In Europe, a increasing number of nations are exploring similar restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that smartphones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' youth". A law could be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "an options under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the president has asked parliament to pass a proposal lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a related move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Dutch government has urged guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a non-binding motion demanding a ban for minors without guardian approval is given. Although it cautions of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the move does not establish binding law.
"An effective age barrier is a solid first step," stated a leading MEP behind the resolution.
Britain: A Cautious Eye
Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "based on robust research".
Previously, interest built behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. However, the government committed to investigate the topic.
Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. An organization founded by the relatives of a young person who was lost after encountering harmful online content contends that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when teens reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to design tools that are appropriate and fit for children," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
America: A Fragmented Approach
Across America, regulation is primarily unfolding at the state government level amid national stalemate.
- The state of Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a measure banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a law limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra use requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed measures mandating guardian approval for minors to open social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from some individuals to mimic Australia's path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Views
Beyond Europe and the US, other countries are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, international agencies strike a more cautious stance. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "may even backfire". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in user protection.
Even as this worldwide discussion continues, the steps of the Australian government and others show that states around the world are no longer content to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.
