The nation's bold action to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and parents are observing closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.
European Trend
Across Europe, a growing group of states are considering similar restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' youth". A law may be passed next year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the measures under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has urged lawmakers to approve a law increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended families to block their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding motion supporting a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the move does not enact binding law.
"A clear age limit is a useful first step," commented a leading MEP driving the measure.
The UK: A Cautious Stance
Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any action must be "supported by conclusive data".
Previously, interest gathered behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the administration vowed to investigate the matter.
Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a teenager who died after viewing disturbing online content suggests that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for young users," commented a prominent peer.
The US: A State-by-State Approach
Across America, regulation is mostly occurring at the regional government level amid country-wide stalemate.
- Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a bill prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a rule capping under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional access requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws requiring parental consent for under-16s to create social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from some individuals to copy this path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Global Views
Beyond these regions, other states are also exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, world organizations take a more measured tone. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The organization notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.
While this worldwide discussion evolves, the steps of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that governments internationally are less and less prepared to wait for the industry to self-regulate.
