🔗 Share this article

Australia's bold policy to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are watching intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

European Momentum

Across Europe, a increasing number of countries are exploring parallel measures.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that phones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". Legislation could be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "one of the measures in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on parliament to pass a bill lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in the Netherlands has advised families to block their youngsters from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory motion calling for a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a useful starting point," commented a leading parliamentarian behind the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance

For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "supported by strong evidence".

Previously, interest built behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. However, the administration committed to conduct more studies the topic.

Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. One foundation founded by the relatives of a young person who was lost after viewing harmful online content contends that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users turn 16.

"This ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are secure and fit for young users," said a influential child protection advocate.

The United States: A Fragmented Landscape

In the United States, regulation is primarily occurring at the local level due to federal inaction.

• Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• The state of Florida has passed a law banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a rule capping under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra time dependent on a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted laws mandating adult authorization for minors to open social media profiles.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some individuals to follow the Australian lead, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.

Worldwide Perspectives

Outside of the West, other countries are also taking action.

• The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, global organizations strike a more measured position. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve user protection.

Even as this global discussion continues, the steps of the Australian government and others indicate that states around the world are increasingly willing to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.