Australia's bold policy to restrict social media access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and families are watching closely to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.
European Movement
Throughout Europe, a increasing number of countries are considering parallel restrictions.
- The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that phones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation could be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the AI".
- The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "an options on the table".
- In Spain, the president has called on parliament to pass a bill increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a related step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended families to block their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is given. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" design of these services, the step does not create binding law.
"A strong age restriction is a solid first step," said the MEP supporting the resolution.
The UK: A Watchful Eye
In the UK, the government has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in strong data".
Earlier, support grew behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the topic.
Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a young person who died after viewing dangerous social media material contends that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when users become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," said a prominent peer.
America: A Fragmented Approach
Across America, action is primarily happening at the local level against a backdrop of federal inaction.
- Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a bill barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a law capping under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra use needing adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws mandating guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from certain politicians to copy Australia's path, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.
International Perspectives
Beyond the West, additional countries are also exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.
However, world agencies strike a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve safety.
As this worldwide discussion continues, the policies of Australia and others indicate that governments globally are no longer willing to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.
