The Australian decisive policy to restrict social media access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are watching closely to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.
Across Europe Movement
Throughout Europe, a rising group of countries are exploring parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". The policy is expected to be formalized soon.
- Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the tools in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to pass a proposal raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Dutch government has recommended parents to block their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a advisory statement demanding a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the step does not create binding law.
"An effective age barrier is a good first step," commented one European lawmaker supporting the measure.
Britain: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by strong research".
Earlier, support gathered behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to investigate the issue.
Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a young person who died after viewing dangerous online content contends that a strict age ban might not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when young people turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for young users," commented a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, regulation is mostly happening at the local government level amid national stalemate.
- Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a law restricting teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with additional access dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures requiring guardian approval for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from various individuals to mimic Australia's example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Perspectives
Apart from the West, additional nations are similarly exploring options.
- The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.
However, world bodies adopt a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might backfire". The body points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in safety.
While this global conversation continues, the actions of this nation and others show that governments internationally are no longer prepared to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
