Australia's bold move to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are watching intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Momentum
In Europe, a rising chorus of countries are exploring similar restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that phones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". A law is expected to be passed next year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the tools in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the president has asked lawmakers to enact a proposal raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is given. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the step does not create mandatory rules.
"An effective age limit is a useful starting point," stated one parliamentarian supporting the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any action must be "supported by strong research".
Last year, support gathered behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the administration committed to investigate the topic.
Advocacy groups have raised concerns. A prominent charity established by the family of a young person who took her own life after viewing harmful social media material contends that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to build products and services that are safe and age appropriate for minors," stated a leading peer.
The United States: A State-by-State Landscape
In the United States, legislation is primarily occurring at the state level amid country-wide gridlock.
- Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a bill banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a rule capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra use requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted measures mandating adult authorization for teenagers to open social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from some figures to follow this path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
International Views
Outside of Europe and the US, additional countries are also exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, international bodies take a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The agency notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve safety.
Even as this worldwide discussion evolves, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that policymakers internationally are increasingly content to wait for the industry to self-regulate.
