The Australian bold policy to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.
The European Movement
In Europe, a rising number of states are considering comparable bans.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that phones and platforms are "taking away our kids' childhood". The policy is expected to be enacted next year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to approve a bill raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has recommended families to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a advisory motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" design of these services, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A clear age restriction is a good first step," commented the MEP driving the resolution.
Britain: A Cautious Stance
For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in strong evidence".
Previously, support grew behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the administration committed to investigate the topic.
Charities have raised apprehensions. One foundation established by the loved ones of a young person who died after encountering harmful online content argues that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when young people turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for children," stated a leading peer.
The United States: A Fragmented Approach
Stateside, action is mostly occurring at the regional government level amid country-wide stalemate.
- The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional time dependent on parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures mandating parental consent for teenagers to open social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from certain figures to copy Australia's path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.
International Outlook
Outside of the West, other nations are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, international bodies adopt a more cautious tone. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The body notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
While this international discussion unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers internationally are increasingly content to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.
