Australia's controversial move to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are watching intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a growing number of states are moving toward similar restrictions.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and networks are "robbing our children's childhood". Legislation could be enacted next year.
- Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential measures on the table".
- In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to approve a proposal increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a related move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Netherlands has recommended parents to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic statement demanding a ban for minors without guardian approval is granted. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the move does not establish mandatory rules.
"A clear age barrier is a useful starting point," commented the MEP behind the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach
In the UK, the government has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "supported by strong data".
Earlier, support grew behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. However, the government committed to conduct more studies the issue.
Charities have expressed warnings. A prominent charity established by the family of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing platform posts argues that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when teens reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to build tools that are secure and age appropriate for children," commented a influential online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Decentralized Picture
In the United States, regulation is mostly happening at the state level amid federal gridlock.
- Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a bill banning under-14s from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a rule limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional use needing adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures requiring guardian approval for minors to set up social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain figures to mimic this path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.
International Views
Beyond Europe and the US, additional states are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, global bodies strike a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might backfire". The body highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.
As this international debate unfolds, the steps of this nation and others show that states internationally are no longer willing to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.
