The Australian controversial policy to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are monitoring intently to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.
The European Movement
Across Europe, a growing chorus of states are moving toward similar restrictions.
- The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our children's childhood". A law may be passed soon.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential options in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on parliament to approve a proposal lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Dutch government has recommended parents to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic statement supporting a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the step does not enact mandatory rules.
"A clear age restriction is a solid starting point," commented one MEP supporting the initiative.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance
In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "supported by strong evidence".
Earlier, interest built behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the administration pledged to investigate the matter.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. An organization founded by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after being exposed to dangerous social media material contends that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are secure and fit for young users," commented a influential online safety campaigner.
America: A Fragmented Picture
In the United States, regulation is largely happening at the state level amid national stalemate.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a measure banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a rule restricting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra time dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed bills requiring adult authorization for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from various individuals to mimic the Australian example, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, further countries are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, world organizations adopt a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve safety.
As this international discussion unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that governments internationally are increasingly prepared to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.
