The Australian bold move to restrict social media access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.
European Momentum
Across Europe, a growing number of countries are considering similar measures.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". A law may be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "power of the AI".
- The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "an options in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to approve a bill lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has urged families to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A strong age limit is a solid starting point," commented one MEP supporting the measure.
Britain: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the administration has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "based on conclusive data".
Earlier, support built behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the administration committed to investigate the topic.
Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. An organization set up by the relatives of a girl who died after encountering harmful online content contends that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are appropriate and suitable for children," stated a prominent peer.
America: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, regulation is mostly occurring at the state level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a bill barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation capping minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further time requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws demanding guardian approval for minors to create social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain figures to follow this lead, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Perspectives
Outside of these regions, other countries are similarly taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, international organizations take a more measured position. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could backfire". The organization notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
As this global debate unfolds, the policies of Australia and others demonstrate that governments globally are increasingly prepared to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.
