Australia's decisive action to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are watching closely to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.
European Trend
Across Europe, a growing number of countries are considering parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that phones and networks are "stealing our children's childhood". The policy is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential tools on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to enact a bill increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has advised families to block their children from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic statement supporting a ban for minors except if guardian approval is granted. Although it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.
"A strong age limit is a good starting point," commented the parliamentarian supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance
For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "based on conclusive research".
Previously, support grew behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. However, the government vowed to further research the matter.
Advocacy groups have raised warnings. An organization set up by the family of a teenager who took her own life after viewing dangerous platform posts contends that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for minors," stated a influential online safety campaigner.
The US: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, legislation is mostly happening at the local level due to federal gridlock.
- Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a measure banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has approved a law capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further access needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced bills mandating guardian approval for minors to set up social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from various individuals to copy Australia's path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.
International Views
Outside of Europe and the US, additional states are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, international agencies adopt a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might backfire". The body notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve safety.
As this worldwide conversation unfolds, the policies of this nation and others show that states around the world are less and less willing to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.
