Australia's bold policy to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are observing closely to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.
European Momentum
Across Europe, a rising number of countries are moving toward parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that phones and apps are "robbing our kids' childhood". A law could be passed soon.
- Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential measures under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has called on the legislature to approve a bill lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding motion demanding a ban for minors without parental consent is granted. While it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a good first step," stated the MEP supporting the measure.
Britain: A Cautious Stance
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any action must be "based on robust data".
Last year, momentum built behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration vowed to investigate the matter.
Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the family of a young person who was lost after encountering disturbing social media material contends that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for minors," stated a influential child protection advocate.
America: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, regulation is largely happening at the regional level against a backdrop of federal inaction.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has approved a law restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra use dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures demanding parental consent for minors to open social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from certain individuals to follow Australia's example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
International Views
Apart from Europe and the US, other countries are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, world organizations adopt a more nuanced position. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve safety.
As this worldwide discussion unfolds, the policies of this nation and others show that policymakers globally are no longer content to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.
