Australia's bold policy to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are watching closely to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.
Across Europe Trend
Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of countries are considering similar measures.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that phones and networks are "stealing our children's youth". A law could be passed soon.
- Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the options in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to enact a law raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Dutch government has advised families to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a advisory statement demanding a ban for minors except if guardian approval is provided. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.
"An effective age restriction is a useful starting point," said a leading European lawmaker supporting the resolution.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance
For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any action must be "supported by conclusive research".
Earlier, momentum built behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. However, the administration vowed to investigate the matter.
Charities have expressed apprehensions. An organization established by the relatives of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous platform posts argues that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to design products and services that are safe and suitable for children," said a prominent peer.
The United States: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, regulation is primarily occurring at the regional government level due to national inaction.
- Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has signed a bill banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a regulation capping minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional use dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills requiring parental consent for under-16s to create social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain individuals to mimic the Australian example, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Views
Beyond Europe and the US, other nations are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, global agencies strike a more nuanced stance. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve safety.
Even as this global discussion evolves, the policies of the Australian government and its followers show that governments globally are increasingly prepared to delay for platforms to self-regulate.
