Australia's bold action to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are watching intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
European Movement
In Europe, a rising group of countries are exploring parallel measures.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". A law may be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "an measures under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the president has urged lawmakers to enact a proposal raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Dutch government has recommended families to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding motion supporting a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the move does not enact mandatory rules.
"A clear age restriction is a useful foundation," stated the European lawmaker behind the resolution.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance
Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "supported by strong data".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the government pledged to further research the issue.
Charities have voiced warnings. One foundation established by the family of a girl who died after being exposed to dangerous platform posts argues that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when teens reach the legal age.
"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are appropriate and suitable for minors," stated a influential peer.
The United States: A Fragmented Landscape
Stateside, action is primarily happening at the state level amid national gridlock.
- Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has signed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a law limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra access needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws requiring guardian approval for under-16s to create social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from certain figures to follow Australia's path, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Views
Outside of these regions, additional countries are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.
But, world agencies strike a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The organization points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
As this worldwide discussion evolves, the steps of this nation and others demonstrate that states internationally are increasingly content to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.
