Australia's controversial move to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are observing closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.
The European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a increasing group of nations are exploring similar measures.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that phones and networks are "taking away our children's childhood". A law is expected to be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "power of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban is "an tools on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged parliament to pass a bill lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in the Netherlands has advised parents to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is given. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" design of these apps, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a solid first step," said the MEP behind the measure.
The UK: A Cautious Approach
Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "based on robust evidence".
Last year, support gathered behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the government pledged to further research the matter.
Charities have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a girl who was lost after encountering dangerous online content suggests that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for children," commented a influential peer.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
In the United States, action is largely unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of national stalemate.
- Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has passed a measure banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra time needing adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures requiring parental consent for under-16s to create social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and calls from various politicians to copy this example, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Apart from Europe and the US, further nations are likewise taking action.
- The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, international bodies strike a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The agency points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.
While this worldwide conversation continues, the actions of Australia and several other countries indicate that states globally are no longer prepared to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.
