Australia's bold action to restrict social media access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.
European Movement
In Europe, a growing chorus of nations are moving toward parallel bans.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that smartphones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' youth". The policy could be enacted soon.
- Norway is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an similar ban could be "a potential tools on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged the legislature to enact a bill lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has recommended parents to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding statement supporting a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is provided. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the step does not enact binding law.
"A clear age limit is a solid foundation," stated the parliamentarian behind the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in robust research".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the government vowed to further research the matter.
Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. One foundation founded by the family of a teenager who died after encountering disturbing platform posts argues that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens reach the legal age.
"This ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to create tools that are secure and age appropriate for children," commented a leading child protection advocate.
The United States: A Fragmented Landscape
Stateside, regulation is largely happening at the regional level amid federal inaction.
- The state of Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has passed a measure barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has passed a rule capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further use dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed measures demanding adult authorization for minors to open social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from various individuals to mimic the Australian example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of these regions, additional nations are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, world bodies adopt a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.
As this global discussion unfolds, the steps of Australia and several other countries indicate that governments around the world are no longer prepared to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.
