Australia's bold policy to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are watching intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
Across Europe Trend
Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of nations are exploring parallel measures.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our children's youth". The policy is expected to be formalized next year.
- Norway is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Officials have indicated that an similar ban remains "one of the measures on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to approve a bill increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a related action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Netherlands has advised families to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory motion calling for a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is provided. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the move does not create enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a good foundation," stated the MEP driving the initiative.
Britain: A Cautious Eye
Across Britain, the government has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in strong data".
Previously, support grew behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the matter.
Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. An organization founded by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to harmful platform posts contends that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for children," commented a leading peer.
America: A Fragmented Approach
In the United States, regulation is largely occurring at the regional government level due to national gridlock.
- Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a regulation limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further time needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws demanding guardian approval for teenagers to create social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and calls from some figures to copy this lead, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Apart from the West, other states are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
However, global bodies take a more measured stance. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
While this international discussion continues, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries show that governments internationally are less and less prepared to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.
