Australia's bold move to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and families are observing intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
European Trend
Across Europe, a rising chorus of states are moving toward comparable measures.
- The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that phones and networks are "robbing our kids' childhood". A law is expected to be enacted soon.
- The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have stated that an similar ban is "one of the measures on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to pass a proposal raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Dutch government has advised parents to restrict their children from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic motion calling for a ban for minors except if parental consent is given. Although it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the move does not enact binding law.
"An effective age limit is a useful foundation," commented a leading European lawmaker behind the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance
Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "based on strong data".
Earlier, momentum grew behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government committed to further research the matter.
Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the family of a young person who took her own life after encountering disturbing online content argues that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to create tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," commented a influential peer.
The United States: A State-by-State Picture
In the United States, regulation is largely occurring at the state government level due to national stalemate.
- Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a bill barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a rule restricting under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with additional use requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws requiring parental consent for under-16s to create social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from some politicians to follow the Australian path, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.
International Outlook
Outside of the West, additional countries are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, world agencies take a more measured position. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.
As this global discussion unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and others show that policymakers globally are no longer prepared to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.
