Australia's bold action to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Movement
In Europe, a growing chorus of nations are exploring similar measures.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that phones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation could be passed soon.
- Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the measures on the table".
- In Spain, the president has asked parliament to pass a bill increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Netherlands has advised families to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is given. Although it warns of the "addictive" design of these services, the move does not create enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a useful foundation," stated a leading MEP behind the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any action must be "supported by strong data".
Earlier, interest built behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. However, the government pledged to further research the matter.
Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. One foundation established by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing social media material argues that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to build tools that are appropriate and fit for young users," said a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A State-by-State Approach
Across America, action is largely occurring at the state level amid federal inaction.
- Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a rule limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional time requiring adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures mandating adult authorization for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and calls from some politicians to mimic this example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Views
Beyond Europe and the US, additional states are likewise taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, world bodies adopt a more nuanced position. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.
While this international debate unfolds, the actions of this nation and others indicate that states internationally are increasingly content to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.
