The Australian controversial policy to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are observing closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.
European Trend
Throughout Europe, a rising number of states are exploring comparable measures.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our children's innocence". Legislation is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to approve a law lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a related action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to restrict their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a advisory statement supporting a ban for minors except if parental consent is provided. Although it highlights of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a good foundation," commented the MEP behind the resolution.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye
Across Britain, the government has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in robust research".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government pledged to further research the matter.
Advocacy groups have raised concerns. An organization set up by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after encountering dangerous social media material suggests that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when users reach the legal age.
"This ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to create products and services that are secure and fit for young users," commented a influential child protection advocate.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
Across America, regulation is largely happening at the regional level amid federal gridlock.
- Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a law capping minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further access needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws demanding adult authorization for minors to set up social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from various figures to follow the Australian path, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Views
Apart from the West, additional nations are likewise considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, global agencies adopt a more measured stance. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The body highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve user protection.
Even as this global debate evolves, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries show that states around the world are less and less content to delay for the industry to self-regulate.
