The Australian decisive action to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.
The European Momentum
Across Europe, a rising chorus of countries are moving toward parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that phones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". A law could be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "an tools on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to pass a proposal increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a related step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The government in the Netherlands has advised families to block their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a symbolic statement calling for a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the step does not enact binding law.
"A strong age restriction is a good first step," stated the parliamentarian driving the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach
Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but stressing any action must be "supported by robust evidence".
Previously, interest grew behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration committed to further research the issue.
Advocacy groups have raised warnings. One foundation established by the relatives of a young person who was lost after viewing harmful platform posts argues that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when young people turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are safe and fit for young users," commented a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A State-by-State Approach
Across America, regulation is largely occurring at the state government level amid country-wide stalemate.
- The state of Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has passed a measure barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a rule capping teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra use dependent on parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws demanding guardian approval for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from some figures to copy the Australian example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Views
Outside of Europe and the US, additional nations are also considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, world bodies strike a more nuanced position. Unicef has advised that social media bans carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The agency notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.
As this worldwide conversation unfolds, the steps of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that states globally are increasingly prepared to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.
