The Australian controversial action to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Momentum
In Europe, a rising chorus of countries are moving toward comparable measures.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation could be enacted soon.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban is "an tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has asked parliament to approve a bill raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is given. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A strong age barrier is a good starting point," said the MEP behind the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in robust data".
Previously, interest gathered behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the government pledged to conduct more studies the issue.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. One foundation founded by the family of a teenager who took her own life after encountering harmful platform posts contends that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when users turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for minors," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A Decentralized Picture
Stateside, legislation is primarily unfolding at the state level due to country-wide stalemate.
- The state of Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a measure barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a law capping minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional access requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills mandating adult authorization for minors to open social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some individuals to mimic this path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Global Outlook
Beyond these regions, further states are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, world bodies take a more cautious tone. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The organization points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.
Even as this worldwide debate continues, the steps of Australia and its followers show that policymakers around the world are increasingly prepared to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.
