The Australian controversial policy to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.
The European Movement
Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of countries are moving toward similar restrictions.
- The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our children's childhood". A law is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban could be "an measures in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to approve a law increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a related step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their kids from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding statement demanding a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.
"A strong age restriction is a good starting point," stated one European lawmaker driving the resolution.
Britain: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".
Previously, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. However, the government committed to conduct more studies the matter.
Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing platform posts suggests that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when teens turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for young users," said a influential peer.
America: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, regulation is mostly unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has passed a bill banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a law limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further access requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted measures requiring adult authorization for under-16s to create social media profiles.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from some individuals to mimic this path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Perspectives
Apart from the West, other countries are similarly considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.
However, international organizations adopt a more measured position. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve safety.
As this global conversation continues, the actions of Australia and several other countries indicate that governments around the world are no longer prepared to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.
