The Australian decisive policy to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are observing closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.
European Movement
Throughout Europe, a rising number of states are moving toward parallel measures.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that phones and platforms are "robbing our kids' youth". A law may be formalized soon.
- Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the tools on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to approve a bill increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a related step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the step does not create enforceable legislation.
"A clear age barrier is a good first step," commented a leading European lawmaker driving the initiative.
Britain: A Cautious Approach
Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by conclusive data".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the issue.
Advocacy groups have raised concerns. An organization set up by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after encountering harmful social media material suggests that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are safe and fit for children," stated a leading peer.
America: A Fragmented Approach
Across America, action is largely unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.
- Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a law prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has approved a law capping minors to one hour of social media use per day, with extra access needing a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills mandating adult authorization for minors to create social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from some individuals to copy Australia's path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Apart from Europe and the US, further countries are also taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, global organizations take a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The organization notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.
Even as this worldwide debate unfolds, the policies of Australia and its followers indicate that governments globally are no longer willing to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
