The Australian decisive move to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and families are watching closely to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
Across Europe, a rising number of states are considering comparable restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our youngsters' youth". Legislation could be enacted soon.
- Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the AI".
- The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "an tools on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the president has called on lawmakers to enact a bill lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a related move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The administration in the Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding motion calling for a ban for minors unless guardian approval is granted. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age restriction is a good starting point," said a leading MEP supporting the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Eye
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by strong evidence".
Last year, support grew behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the government pledged to further research the matter.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. An organization set up by the family of a young person who died after being exposed to dangerous platform posts argues that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to create tools that are secure and age appropriate for children," stated a leading peer.
The US: A State-by-State Approach
In the United States, regulation is largely occurring at the regional level due to national inaction.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a measure barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
- The state of Virginia has approved a law restricting minors to one hour of social media access per day, with any further time needing adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced laws mandating adult authorization for minors to set up social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from various politicians to mimic the Australian example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Perspectives
Outside of these regions, further states are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, world bodies strike a more measured stance. Unicef has advised that social media bans have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The organization points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize safety.
Even as this worldwide conversation evolves, the steps of the Australian government and its followers show that states globally are no longer content to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.
