The nation's decisive action to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
Across Europe, a growing chorus of countries are exploring comparable bans.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our kids' innocence". The policy may be passed soon.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "an options under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the president has urged lawmakers to approve a law raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The administration in the Netherlands has advised families to block their kids from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a non-binding motion calling for a ban for under-16s without parental consent is granted. Although it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.
"An effective age restriction is a solid foundation," commented the European lawmaker driving the measure.
Britain: A Watchful Eye
In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any action must be "supported by robust data".
Last year, interest grew behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. However, the government pledged to investigate the topic.
Charities have raised warnings. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a young person who died after being exposed to disturbing social media material argues that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for children," stated a prominent peer.
The US: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, legislation is largely occurring at the state level due to federal stalemate.
- Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has signed a bill barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a law capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further time needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws requiring adult authorization for under-16s to create social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from certain individuals to follow Australia's example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Outlook
Apart from these regions, further countries are similarly taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, global bodies adopt a more nuanced position. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve safety.
Even as this worldwide discussion evolves, the policies of this nation and others demonstrate that policymakers around the world are no longer content to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
