Australia's controversial move to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
The European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a increasing number of nations are considering parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that phones and apps are "taking away our children's youth". The policy may be passed in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban remains "one of the measures in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged parliament to approve a bill lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their children from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding motion calling for a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is provided. While it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the step does not establish binding law.
"A clear age limit is a useful starting point," commented a leading MEP driving the initiative.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance
Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any action must be "based on conclusive research".
Last year, interest grew behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the government vowed to further research the topic.
Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. One foundation established by the loved ones of a girl who died after viewing harmful online content contends that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people 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 young users," commented a influential child protection advocate.
America: A Fragmented Approach
Stateside, regulation is primarily unfolding at the regional government level against a backdrop of national inaction.
- Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a measure prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law restricting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra use dependent on parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted laws requiring parental consent for minors to open social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from some politicians to mimic the Australian path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
International Views
Outside of the West, other states are also taking action.
- The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, international bodies strike a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in safety.
Even as this worldwide debate continues, the policies of Australia and its followers show that governments around the world are increasingly content to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.
