Australia's decisive move to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, campaigners, and families are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.
European Momentum
Across Europe, a increasing group of countries are exploring similar measures.
- The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our kids' innocence". A law could be passed soon.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an similar ban remains "an tools on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to approve a bill increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a similar move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has advised guardians to block their youngsters from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is given. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the step does not establish mandatory rules.
"A strong age barrier is a solid foundation," said the parliamentarian driving the measure.
The UK: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "based on robust evidence".
Last year, interest built behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the administration committed to further research the issue.
Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after viewing harmful online content argues that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens reach the legal age.
"This ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to create products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," said a leading peer.
America: A Fragmented Approach
Across America, legislation is mostly happening at the state level due to federal gridlock.
- Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a measure barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule capping minors to one hour of social media access per day, with extra access needing parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures requiring adult authorization for minors to create social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and calls from certain individuals to follow the Australian path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Outlook
Apart from the West, further states are also taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, international agencies strike a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might backfire". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in safety.
While this worldwide conversation evolves, the steps of this nation and several other countries show that states around the world are less and less prepared to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.
