The Australian bold policy to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are observing intently to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.
The European Movement
Across Europe, a increasing chorus of states are considering parallel measures.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that phones and apps are "robbing our children's childhood". A law could be formalized soon.
- Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "an options in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to approve a proposal lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has advised families to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is given. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.
"A strong age limit is a useful starting point," said a leading European lawmaker behind the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach
For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a potential ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "based on strong research".
Previously, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. However, the administration committed to conduct more studies the topic.
Charities have voiced concerns. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a young person who died after encountering dangerous social media material suggests that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are secure and suitable for minors," commented a prominent peer.
The US: A Fragmented Picture
In the United States, regulation is largely unfolding at the state level due to country-wide stalemate.
- Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule restricting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with any further time needing parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills demanding adult authorization for minors to set up social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from some politicians to copy Australia's path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Global Views
Outside of Europe and the US, further states are also exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, international agencies strike a more measured tone. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could backfire". The body points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.
As this global debate unfolds, the actions of Australia and others show that policymakers internationally are no longer willing to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.
