Australia's controversial move to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.
European Momentum
Across Europe, a rising chorus of countries are moving toward similar restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our kids' innocence". A law is expected to be enacted next year.
- Norway is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the AI".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential measures on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to enact a proposal lifting 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 parliamentary commission has recommended a related action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The administration in the Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for minors unless parental consent is given. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the move does not establish binding law.
"A strong age limit is a good first step," said one European lawmaker driving the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye
For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in conclusive data".
Previously, support grew behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the government pledged to conduct more studies the topic.
Charities have raised concerns. A prominent charity founded by the family of a young person who died after encountering dangerous social media material contends that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for young users," said a prominent child protection advocate.
The United States: A Decentralized Picture
In the United States, action is primarily occurring at the local level against a backdrop of national gridlock.
- Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a measure prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
- The state of Virginia has approved a regulation capping minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra use requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws mandating adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from various individuals to mimic this example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Global Views
Apart from Europe and the US, other nations are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
However, global bodies take a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
While this worldwide conversation evolves, the steps of this nation and its followers indicate that policymakers around the world are less and less willing to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.
