Australia's decisive policy to ban social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
Across Europe, a increasing group of nations are considering comparable restrictions.
- The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our kids' innocence". A law may be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have stated that an similar ban could be "a potential tools on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to approve a bill raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their kids from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for minors without parental consent is granted. While it warns of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A clear age restriction is a solid foundation," commented one parliamentarian behind the measure.
Britain: A Watchful Approach
Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in strong data".
Last year, momentum grew behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the administration vowed to further research the topic.
Charities have raised concerns. One foundation founded by the family of a young person who took her own life after encountering disturbing social media material argues that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people turn 16.
"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are safe and suitable for young users," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, regulation is primarily happening at the regional government level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.
- Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a law barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a law limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra time dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws mandating parental consent for under-16s to create social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from certain politicians to follow this path, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Views
Beyond these regions, further countries are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
However, international agencies take a more measured position. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The body highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve user protection.
While this international conversation evolves, the policies of the Australian government and others demonstrate that policymakers internationally are less and less prepared to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.
