The Australian bold policy to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are watching closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
The European Movement
In Europe, a increasing number of nations are considering parallel restrictions.
- The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our kids' youth". The policy could be passed next year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to pass a proposal lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Dutch government has recommended families to restrict their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is given. Although it warns of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the move does not enact binding law.
"A strong age restriction is a useful foundation," commented the parliamentarian behind the initiative.
Britain: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by conclusive evidence".
Previously, interest grew behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the administration committed to investigate the matter.
Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. An organization founded by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after viewing harmful social media material argues that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when young people become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to design tools that are appropriate and suitable for minors," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.
America: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, legislation is mostly unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.
- Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- The state of 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 under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional access requiring a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws mandating adult authorization for under-16s to create social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from various individuals to follow the Australian example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Perspectives
Outside of Europe and the US, other countries are also taking action.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, world bodies strike a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.
As this worldwide conversation evolves, the actions of this nation and its followers show that policymakers globally are increasingly willing to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.
