Australia's bold policy to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, campaigners, and families are observing closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.
European Movement
Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of countries are exploring similar restrictions.
- The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that phones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". The policy is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban could be "an options in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has urged parliament to enact a bill increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a related action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has urged families to block their children from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic motion supporting a ban for minors except if parental consent is granted. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the step does not establish mandatory rules.
"A strong age barrier is a solid starting point," said one parliamentarian driving the measure.
The UK: A Cautious Eye
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "supported by conclusive data".
Previously, interest built behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the government vowed to further research the issue.
Charities have raised concerns. An organization founded by the relatives of a young person who died after viewing dangerous platform posts argues that a simple age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to create tools that are appropriate and suitable for young users," said a influential peer.
The US: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, regulation is mostly happening at the state level amid country-wide gridlock.
- Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
- The state of Florida has passed a measure banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- The state of Virginia has passed a rule restricting under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with additional time needing a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures requiring guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from various individuals to mimic the Australian example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.
International Perspectives
Beyond the West, additional countries are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.
However, global agencies adopt a more cautious tone. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "might backfire". The agency notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve safety.
As this worldwide discussion evolves, the actions of this nation and others demonstrate that states internationally are increasingly content to wait for platforms to self-regulate.
