The Australian decisive action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and families are watching intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Movement
In Europe, a growing group of states are considering comparable measures.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our children's youth". Legislation is expected to be formalized soon.
- Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "an measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to enact a proposal increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Dutch government has recommended parents to restrict their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is granted. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not enact binding law.
"An effective age limit is a useful starting point," stated the MEP behind the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye
Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "based on strong research".
Previously, support grew behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. However, the government committed to conduct more studies the topic.
Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. One foundation founded by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after viewing disturbing online content contends that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when young people become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for young users," commented a prominent peer.
America: A Decentralized Approach
Stateside, action is primarily unfolding at the regional level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.
- Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has passed a law prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a rule restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional access requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws mandating adult authorization for minors to open social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from certain figures to copy Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Apart from the West, additional states are also taking action.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, international organizations adopt a more measured tone. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could backfire". The body highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.
As this worldwide debate unfolds, the policies of this nation and its followers demonstrate that governments internationally are increasingly prepared to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.
