The Australian bold policy to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are observing intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
European Trend
Across Europe, a rising group of countries are considering similar restrictions.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that phones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". The policy may be formalized next year.
- Norway is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have stated that an similar ban is "an options on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to enact a proposal raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a comparable action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The government in the Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their kids from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a advisory motion supporting a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is provided. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these services, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.
"An effective age restriction is a solid first step," stated the parliamentarian driving the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any action must be "supported by conclusive data".
Earlier, interest grew behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. However, the government committed to further research the topic.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. An organization set up by the family of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing platform posts argues that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for children," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.
The United States: A State-by-State Approach
Across America, action is largely unfolding at the regional government level against a backdrop of national inaction.
- Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has passed a law prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a rule limiting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with extra access dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed bills mandating parental consent for under-16s to open social media profiles.
Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from various politicians to mimic this example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Views
Beyond Europe and the US, further countries are similarly taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
However, international bodies take a more measured stance. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The organization points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in user protection.
Even as this worldwide discussion evolves, the steps of Australia and several other countries indicate that governments around the world are increasingly prepared to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.
