The Australian bold action to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Trend
Throughout Europe, a growing group of states are moving toward similar measures.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that phones and platforms are "taking away our kids' childhood". Legislation may be passed in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "influence of the AI".
- The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the tools in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged parliament to approve a law lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The government in the Netherlands has advised parents to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory motion supporting a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is granted. While it warns of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age barrier is a solid starting point," commented the MEP behind the initiative.
Britain: A Watchful Stance
Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "based on conclusive evidence".
Previously, support built behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the government vowed to investigate the matter.
Advocacy groups have raised warnings. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a teenager who died after being exposed to harmful online content contends that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when teens turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to build tools that are appropriate and suitable for minors," stated a leading peer.
America: A State-by-State Approach
Stateside, regulation is largely unfolding at the state government level amid federal inaction.
- Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has signed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a law restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra access needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills requiring adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from various individuals to copy the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Global Outlook
Outside of the West, further countries are similarly exploring options.
- The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, international organizations adopt a more cautious tone. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.
Even as this international debate continues, the steps of this nation and several other countries show that policymakers around the world are less and less content to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.
