Australia's controversial move to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are watching intently to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.
European Movement
Across Europe, a growing group of states are moving toward parallel measures.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our kids' youth". Legislation could be enacted soon.
- Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban is "one of the options on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to pass a law raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Dutch government has advised guardians to restrict their children from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is provided. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the move does not create enforceable legislation.
"A strong age barrier is a solid starting point," stated one European lawmaker supporting the resolution.
The UK: A Watchful Eye
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in conclusive research".
Last year, interest built behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration committed to conduct more studies the issue.
Charities have raised warnings. One foundation set up by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after viewing harmful platform posts argues that a simple age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people turn 16.
"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are appropriate and fit for children," stated a leading peer.
The US: A Fragmented Landscape
Stateside, action is primarily unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.
- Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a bill barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a law restricting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with additional time requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted measures requiring parental consent for under-16s to set up social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from some individuals to follow the Australian path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of the West, further states are also exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, world organizations strike a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might backfire". The organization notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in safety.
As this global debate unfolds, the actions of Australia and others demonstrate that governments globally are less and less prepared to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.
