The Australian controversial policy to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are monitoring intently to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.
European Momentum
In Europe, a increasing group of countries are exploring similar restrictions.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". The policy is expected to be formalized soon.
- Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "an options under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to pass a law lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Dutch government has urged guardians to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the step does not create enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a good first step," commented the MEP supporting the resolution.
Britain: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "based on strong evidence".
Previously, interest built behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the government pledged to investigate the issue.
Charities have voiced apprehensions. One foundation set up by the family of a girl who was lost after viewing harmful online content contends that a simple age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are appropriate and suitable for children," stated a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A Decentralized Landscape
Stateside, regulation is mostly occurring at the state government level amid national inaction.
- Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has signed a bill banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a regulation capping minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further time needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills mandating parental consent for minors to open social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from various politicians to mimic Australia's path, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Perspectives
Outside of the West, further countries are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, world organizations adopt a more cautious tone. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The body highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.
While this global debate continues, the steps of this nation and its followers indicate that states globally are increasingly willing to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.
