Australia's controversial action to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are observing with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
Across Europe Trend
Across Europe, a increasing chorus of states are considering similar measures.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that smartphones and networks are "taking away our kids' youth". A law could be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban could be "a potential options on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to approve a bill raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a similar step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has advised families to block their youngsters from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a advisory resolution supporting a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.
"A clear age restriction is a useful starting point," said a leading parliamentarian driving the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "supported by robust research".
Last year, momentum grew behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the issue.
Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. One foundation founded by the relatives of a teenager who died after encountering dangerous social media material argues that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to build products and services that are safe and age appropriate for minors," commented a influential child protection advocate.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
In the United States, regulation is primarily occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of national gridlock.
- Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a bill barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a law limiting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with additional access requiring parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws requiring adult authorization for under-16s to create social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from various politicians to follow this example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Perspectives
Outside of Europe and the US, other countries are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.
However, global organizations adopt a more measured stance. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The body points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in safety.
As this global conversation evolves, the actions of this nation and others show that governments around the world are less and less willing to delay for platforms to self-regulate.
