The Australian bold move to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are observing intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.
The European Movement
Across Europe, a rising chorus of states are exploring parallel measures.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our kids' innocence". A law may be enacted next year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the options on the table".
- In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to enact a proposal lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The government in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a advisory resolution calling for a ban for minors except if parental consent is granted. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the step does not create binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a good foundation," commented one parliamentarian driving the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach
In the UK, the government has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any action must be "supported by strong data".
Last year, support grew behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. However, the administration vowed to further research the matter.
Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. An organization established by the relatives of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous platform posts suggests that a strict age ban might not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when teens turn 16.
"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for children," stated a prominent child protection advocate.
The US: A State-by-State Landscape
In the United States, action is largely happening at the regional government level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has passed a bill barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a law capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional time dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures mandating adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from various individuals to follow the Australian path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Perspectives
Beyond these regions, further states are similarly taking action.
- The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, world agencies take a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The body highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.
As this international discussion unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and others demonstrate that states around the world are no longer content to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.
