Australia's bold action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a increasing number of countries are exploring comparable restrictions.
- The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' youth". The policy is expected to be passed next year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban is "a potential options under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to enact a bill increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a related action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Dutch government has urged families to restrict their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory motion supporting a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A clear age barrier is a useful first step," said one MEP driving the measure.
The UK: A Cautious Stance
Across Britain, the administration has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".
Last year, interest built behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the matter.
Charities have voiced warnings. A prominent charity founded by the family of a girl who was lost after viewing dangerous online content contends that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to design tools that are secure and age appropriate for children," said a influential online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, regulation is primarily occurring at the state level amid national gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a bill barring under-14s from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further time needing adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced measures requiring parental consent for minors to create social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and calls from various individuals to mimic Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Views
Outside of these regions, further states are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, global bodies take a more nuanced tone. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could backfire". The agency points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.
While this global conversation unfolds, the actions of Australia and others demonstrate that states around the world are less and less prepared to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.
