The Australian bold action to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Movement
Throughout Europe, a rising group of states are considering parallel measures.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that phones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". A law could be enacted in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to approve a law lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has advised guardians to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a non-binding motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is given. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the move does not enact mandatory rules.
"A strong age limit is a solid starting point," commented one MEP supporting the initiative.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
Across Britain, the government has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any action must be "based on conclusive data".
Last year, interest gathered behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. However, the administration committed to further research the topic.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. An organization founded by the family of a young person who was lost after encountering disturbing platform posts contends that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when young people turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to design tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," commented a influential peer.
The US: A Fragmented Landscape
Stateside, legislation is largely happening at the state government level amid national inaction.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has signed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a regulation capping teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with any further use needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced bills demanding parental consent for teenagers to set up social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from some figures to mimic the Australian example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Worldwide Views
Outside of these regions, additional nations are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.
However, global organizations take a more measured stance. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The body highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.
While this international conversation continues, the steps of Australia and several other countries indicate that states internationally are increasingly prepared to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.
