Australia's controversial action to restrict social media access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are observing closely to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.
European Momentum
In Europe, a growing number of states are considering parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that phones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' youth". The policy could be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has urged lawmakers to pass a proposal increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a related action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Dutch government has urged families to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is provided. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.
"A strong age limit is a useful first step," commented the European lawmaker supporting the initiative.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "supported by robust data".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration vowed to investigate the matter.
Campaign organizations have raised concerns. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a girl who died after encountering dangerous social media material suggests that a simple age ban may not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create products and services that are safe and suitable for children," commented a leading child protection advocate.
America: A State-by-State Approach
In the United States, regulation is mostly occurring at the state level amid federal gridlock.
- Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has passed a measure prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a law restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further access requiring parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws demanding parental consent for minors to open social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from some individuals to copy this path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.
Global Perspectives
Beyond Europe and the US, other nations are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, global organizations adopt a more cautious tone. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The body points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
As this global discussion unfolds, the policies of Australia and others demonstrate that policymakers internationally are less and less prepared to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
