The nation's bold move to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a growing number of nations are exploring parallel bans.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our kids' childhood". A law could be enacted soon.
- The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban remains "an measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to approve a law lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Dutch government has recommended families to restrict their kids from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory motion supporting a ban for minors without guardian approval is granted. Although it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not establish binding law.
"A clear age restriction is a good foundation," stated a leading parliamentarian driving the resolution.
The UK: A Watchful Stance
For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "grounded in conclusive data".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the topic.
Charities have raised concerns. One foundation established by the family of a young person who was lost after viewing harmful online content argues that a simple age ban may not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to design products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," said a leading child protection advocate.
America: A Decentralized Landscape
In the United States, action is primarily occurring at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.
- Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has passed a measure barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has passed a law limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional use needing adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills requiring guardian approval for teenagers to open social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some figures to copy this lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.
International Perspectives
Outside of Europe and the US, other countries are likewise taking action.
- The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, global agencies strike a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The organization notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.
Even as this worldwide discussion unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that states internationally are increasingly content to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
