Australia's controversial action to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are watching closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
Across Europe, a rising group of countries are exploring parallel restrictions.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that phones and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' youth". The policy may be enacted in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban could be "a potential measures under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has urged parliament to approve a proposal raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a related move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The government in The Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their kids from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a advisory statement supporting a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is given. Although it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these services, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.
"An effective age limit is a useful starting point," stated one MEP behind the initiative.
Britain: A Cautious Eye
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "supported by robust evidence".
Previously, support built behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration pledged to investigate the matter.
Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. One foundation established by the family of a teenager who took her own life after viewing dangerous social media material contends that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when users become eligible.
"This ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to build products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," said a leading peer.
America: A Decentralized Approach
Stateside, action is mostly happening at the state government level amid federal inaction.
- Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a bill prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a regulation limiting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra access requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced measures demanding adult authorization for minors to open social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from various politicians to copy this example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.
International Views
Outside of these regions, other states are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, international organizations adopt a more measured position. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve user protection.
As this international debate unfolds, the steps of Australia and others indicate that states around the world are increasingly prepared to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.
