The Australian bold policy to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are watching closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.
European Momentum
Across Europe, a rising number of countries are moving toward comparable measures.
- The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that phones and networks are "stealing our children's youth". A law is expected to be enacted soon.
- Norway is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an similar ban remains "one of the options under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to pass a law raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a similar move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Netherlands has urged guardians to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it warns of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the step does not create mandatory rules.
"A clear age barrier is a solid starting point," commented the European lawmaker driving the measure.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in strong data".
Earlier, support gathered behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government pledged to further research the matter.
Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. One foundation founded by the relatives of a girl who died after encountering disturbing platform posts argues that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for children," stated a influential child protection advocate.
America: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, action is primarily happening at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.
- Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a rule restricting minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra use requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted measures mandating adult authorization for minors to set up social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from some politicians to copy Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
International Views
Apart from these regions, additional nations are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.
However, international organizations adopt a more cautious tone. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
While this international discussion continues, the steps of this nation and several other countries indicate that policymakers around the world are no longer willing to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.
