The Australian controversial policy to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are observing intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
Across Europe, a rising number of states are considering parallel bans.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that phones and platforms are "stealing our kids' youth". A law is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an similar ban could be "a potential tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to pass a bill lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic statement calling for a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is given. While it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not establish binding law.
"An effective age restriction is a useful first step," said a leading parliamentarian supporting the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Stance
In the UK, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in strong evidence".
Previously, support grew behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the government pledged to conduct more studies the topic.
Advocacy groups have raised concerns. A prominent charity founded by the family of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous social media material suggests that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when users turn 16.
"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for children," said a prominent child protection advocate.
America: A Fragmented Approach
Across America, legislation is primarily unfolding at the local level due to federal gridlock.
- Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a law limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra access dependent on adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted bills demanding guardian approval for under-16s to create social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from certain politicians to follow Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Global Perspectives
Outside of the West, additional states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, global agencies strike a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could backfire". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.
As this worldwide debate evolves, the actions of this nation and its followers demonstrate that states internationally are no longer content to delay for the industry to self-regulate.
