Australia's controversial action to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.
The European Movement
Across Europe, a increasing group of countries are exploring parallel restrictions.
- The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and networks are "taking away our children's childhood". A law is expected to be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban is "one of the measures under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has urged lawmakers to approve a law lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has advised families to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic statement calling for a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is given. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the move does not create mandatory rules.
"An effective age restriction is a good foundation," commented the European lawmaker behind the initiative.
The UK: A Cautious Stance
For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "supported by strong evidence".
Last year, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. However, the administration pledged to investigate the matter.
Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. One foundation set up by the relatives of a girl who was lost after being exposed to harmful social media material argues that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when young people turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," said a leading child protection advocate.
America: A State-by-State Approach
In the United States, action is mostly occurring at the local level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.
- The state of Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law restricting teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with additional time dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed measures demanding adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some individuals to copy Australia's path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Global Outlook
Beyond Europe and the US, further countries are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
However, global bodies take a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.
While this global conversation unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that governments internationally are no longer prepared to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.